Acer platanoides

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Medium

Dry Soil: High

Lime: High

The Acer platanoides, commonly known as the Norway Maple, is a resilient and versatile tree native to Norway. Celebrated for its adaptability, Acer platanoides thrives in a wide range of environments, from urban streetscapes to large parklands, making it a preferred choice for landscapers.

The Acer platanoides is renowned for its broad, spreading canopy with strong, outreaching branches that create ample shade. This species is often planted as an alternative to the London Plane (Platanus x hispanica) in city landscapes because of its excellent tolerance to pollution, compacted soils, and harsh urban conditions.

One distinguishing feature of the Acer platanoides is the milky sap released when breaking its leaf stalks, a useful identification point differentiating it from other maples such as the Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus). Its buds display a rich plum colour in winter, contrasting with the greener buds of similar species.

In spring, the tree produces clusters of lemon-green flowers, which give way to large, lobed leaves that provide dense shade throughout summer. The autumn foliage is a vibrant golden-yellow, often lasting longer than many other maples, bringing seasonal interest to any garden or urban setting.

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Size

Large

13m high x 6m wide after 25 years

Environment

Its ability to withstand pollution and thrive in poor soil conditions makes it an excellent choice for carpark planting. Additionally, it is well suited for natural or rural planting, as long as the soil is well-drained.

Canopy

Begins with a columnar form, transitioning to a teardrop shape before evolving into an irregular silhouette as it matures.

Foliage

Leaves have the classic maple shape with 5 lobes. They start as a lemon-green hue, turning to a radiant golden-yellow by autumn. When leaf stalks ae broken, they release a milky, frothy sap.

Flowers

Clusters of lemon washed flowers with 5 delicate petals emerge on the bare branches in early spring.

Resilience

Tolerant of urban pollution and favours poor compacted soils, especially chalk. It will thrive anyway but doesn't fare well in waterlogged or peaty sites so will require good drainage.

Available As:

Semi-Mature

FAQs

What are the distinctive features of Acer platanoides?

This maple is known for its broad leaves with 5 lobes, milky sap in leaf stalks, plum-coloured winter buds, and lemon-green spring flowers. Its autumn foliage turns a striking golden-yellow.

Can Acer platanoides tolerate drought conditions?

While it prefers moist, well-drained soil, Acer platanoides is reasonably drought-tolerant once established.

Are there any common pests or diseases that affect Acer platanoides?

Like many maples, it can be susceptible to tar spot fungus and aphids, but overall it shows good resistance to major diseases.