Norway Maple

(Acer platanoides)

Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Acer platanoides, commonly known as Norway Maple, is a deciduous tree native to a range of habitats including deciduous forests, forest edges, and riparian zones in Europe and Western Asia. It can grow to 20–30 m (65–100 ft) tall with a trunk up to 1.5 m (5 ft) in diameter. The tree’s crown is broad and rounded, providing significant shade. The bark is grey-brown and shallowly grooved, which distinguishes it from other maples that often have shaggy bark as they mature. The shoots start green and become pale brown, while the winter buds are shiny red-brown. Norway Maple is particularly noted for its dense canopy of large, lobed leaves that turn a clear yellow in the fall, adding seasonal interest.

This species is valued for its adaptability to urban conditions, including tolerance of poor, compacted soils and pollution, where the closely related Sugar Maple may struggle. It is widely used for urban planting, as a shade tree, and occasionally as a windbreak. Norway Maple requires full sun to part shade and medium water, with a preference for well-drained soils. It is also known for its aggressive root system, which can disrupt sidewalks and foundations, and for its potential invasiveness outside its native range, as it can outcompete local flora. Gardeners should be aware of these characteristics when considering planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 65-100 feet
  • Width: 30-50 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Deciduous forests, forest edges, and riparian zones in Europe and Western Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Spids-Løn , Spitzahorn , Spitz-Ahorn , Érable Plane , Érable De Norvège , Érable Platanoïde , Acero Riccio , Noorse Esdoorn , Skogslönn , Lönn

Scientific Names: Acer platanoides , Acer platanoides var. schwedleri , Acer dieckii , Acer platanoides var. rubrum , Acer platanoides var. palmatifidum , Acer platanoides f. variegatum , Acer platanoides var. globosum , Acer platanoides var. laciniatum , Acer platanoides f. schwedleri , Acer platanoides var. crispum

GBIF Accepted Name: Acer platanoides L.