Acer platanoides ‘Emerald Queen’

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Medium

Dry Soil: High

Lime: Medium

Acer platanoides ‘Emerald Queen’ is a standout Norway Maple cultivar, highly favoured for urban planting, particularly in inner-city landscapes. This American selection has rapidly gained popularity for its uniform growth habit, resilience, and vibrant seasonal colour, making it an excellent alternative to the standard Norway Maple.

One of the defining features of Acer platanoides ‘Emerald Queen’ is its strong central leader, which supports a symmetrical, upright canopy. This neat, structured growth habit remains consistent as the tree matures, making it especially well-suited for avenue planting, municipal streetscapes, and formal parkland design. Its uniform form also supports practical planning around utilities and infrastructure.

In summer, the foliage displays a fresh lime-green hue, creating a refreshing contrast in dense urban settings. During active growth, new shoots emerge in shades of molten orange and red, subtly threading colour through the green canopy. As autumn approaches, Acer platanoides ‘Emerald Queen’ transforms dramatically, with the foliage turning a brilliant golden yellow, punctuated by flashes of fiery orange, creating a bold, seasonal spectacle.

Beyond its aesthetic value, this cultivar is incredibly durable. It tolerates pollution, compacted soils, and reflective heat from buildings and pavements, making it ideal for city centre plantings, public parks, and roadside verges. It also performs well in poor soils and requires minimal maintenance once established.

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Size

Large

13m high x 7m wide after 25 years

Environment

Perfect for planting as a street tree in areas with ample space, thanks to its prominent central leader and uniformed canopy.

Canopy

Excellent crown. Begins slender and matures into a denser, oval form.

Foliage

Leaves have around 5-7 lobes. Robust, leather textured leaf, emerging a muted ruby colour, transitioning to a brighter, shiny green. Its autumnal display reveals rich shades of amber and golden yellows.

Flowers

Clusters of lemon-green flowers emerge in early spring.

Fruit

Green winged keys.

Resilience

Tolerant of urban pollution and poorer soils including chalk and clay, but not on peat.

Wildlife

A valuable source of pollen and nectar for bees.

Available As:

Semi-Mature, Super Semi-Mature

FAQs

How tall does Acer platanoides ‘Emerald Queen’ grow?

This tree typically reaches a mature height of 12–18 metres, with a spread of 8–12 metres, forming a broad, rounded canopy that remains neat and consistent over time.

What makes ‘Emerald Queen’ different from standard Norway Maples?

Unlike the species, Acer platanoides ‘Emerald Queen’ features a strong central leader, which gives it a more uniform and upright shape. Its brighter green summer foliage and more vivid autumn colour also make it visually distinct.

Can it be planted near roads or pavements?

Yes. Thanks to its strong root structure and upright growth, Acer platanoides ‘Emerald Queen’ is ideal for street tree planting and central reservations, but like all trees, sufficient root space should be allowed to prevent future surface disruption.