Dark green foliage of Norway maple

Fine grain bark of Norway maple

Norway maple (Acer platanoides) is a hardwood tree native throughout the of Europe and widely planted in the U.S. (USDA hardiness zones  4-7a). At maturity a tree reaches 40 to 50 feet in height (to 75 to 80 feet is not unusual) and 35 to 50 feet in width.  Its dense leafy canopy values it a shade tree for planting along streets, large residential properties, golf courses, and in parks.

Norway maple prefers full to partial sun and grows best in moist, well-drained soils. Established trees tolerate hot dry conditions. It transplants reliably and tolerates urban air pollution and moderately compacted soils.

Leaves are 3-5 inches long and 4-7 inches wide. The 5 palmate-lobed leaves are sharply pointed. Yellow fall leaf color is rarely stunning except in specific cultivars. Upper leaf surface is medium to dark green, and dull green, shiny, and hairless underneath.

Small yellowish green flowers appear from early to mid-spring (depending on location) and give way to 2-winged 1 ½ inch wide samaras fruits that whirligig to the ground in fall and winter.

Many cultivars are available at nurseries and garden centers. Norway maple has declined in popularity because seedlings germinate freely along roadsides and woodland areas, competing with native vegetation in the Northeast U.S.

Norway maple has few serious disease or pest problems. Tree is susceptible to verticillium wilt on dry clay soil sites. Its shallow root system frequently cracks or lifts driveways and sidewalks and competes with lawns. In northern areas, bark of young trees may be susceptible to sunscald and frost cracking over the winter months.

Cultivars:

‘Cleveland’ grows 40 to 50 feet high and a narrow 30 to 40 feet wide. Upright branching of young and middle-aged trees is ideal form for urban street planting.

‘Crimson King’ is a popular selection that grows 40 to 50 feet tall and wide; its purple-green spring/summer foliage darkens to maroon or bronze color in autumn. Cultivar tends to grow slower.

‘Emerald Queen’ is a fast-growing selection with an oval-rounded habit (50 feet high and 40 feet wide) and dark glossy green summer foliage. Bright yellow fall color is better than most.

‘Schwedleri’ grows 40-60 feet high and wide; this popular old selection renown for reddish bronze spring foliage which fades to greenish-bronze by early summer.