Acer platanoides

Native to Norway, the Norway Maple stands out as a remarkable specimen tree, likely having produced more cultivars than any other species. Its adaptability shines through, making it suitable for planting in both urban settings and expansive parklands.

With its strong, outreaching canopy, and open-spaced branches, this tree effortlessly dominates any setting. It serves as a nice alternative to Platanus hispanica in urban planting, due to its tolerance of pollution and poor, compacted soils. Notably, the Norway Maple boasts a robust, fibrous root system, guaranteeing strong, consistent growth. However, it also needs careful planning to prevent root entanglement. Its rooting system is shallow which ensures it effectively outpaces other vegetation and plants in nutrient absorption.

Distinctively, its buds sport a lovely plum colour, quite different rom the greener buds of the Acer pseudoplatanus. As spring arrives, delicate lemon-green blossoms grace its bare branches, heralding the season. These blossoms give way to generously sized, quintessentially maple-shaped leaves. A unique feature is its leaf stalks, which, when snapped exude a milky, frothy sap, distinguishing it from the similar looking Sycamore. Furthermore, as one of the earliest maples to unfurl its leaves in spring, it retains its golden-yellow autumnal hue longer than many counterparts.