Acer platanoides (Norway Maple)

Noted for its spectacular fall color, Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) is a large, deciduous tree with a slender trunk and a dense, rounded crown. Its foliage of sharply pointed five-lobed leaves, 7 in. (17 cm) ranges from medium to dark green in summer, and changes to a brilliant palette of yellows, oranges, and browns in the fall. In spring, scented yellow flowers, borne in showy clusters appear before the leaves and are followed by two-winged samara. Long-lived (60 to 200 years) and fast-growing, Norway Maple also provides some winter interest, with its attractive, grayish bark, regularly and shallowly grooved. Excellent shade tree or as a specimen. In some areas, Norway Maple has become invasive, with seedlings overtaking native woodlands.

• Grows up to 40-50 ft. tall (12-15 m) and 30-50 ft. wide (9-15 m).
• A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant to heat, drought, and of a wide range of soils.
• Low maintenance, this tree needs little pruning.
• May be affected by scale insects, aphids, and verticillium wilt.
• Roots are often shallow and reach the surface at an early age. They can heave sidewalks: plant the tree at least 4-6 ft. away (120-180 cm). Plant in an area where grass below it will not need to be mowed.
• Propagate by seed and by grafting.
• Native from northeastern Europe to the Caucasus.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.