Norway Maple (European Maple)
Acer platanoides · Sapindaceae (Soapberry family, commonly referred to as the Maple family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Palmately lobed with 5 distinct lobes having sharply pointed teeth
Margin
Toothed and lobed with remote, sharp-pointed teeth on the lobes
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Palmate venation with 5 main veins radiating from the base
Key Features
Milky white sap exuded from the broken petiole, 5-lobed leaves with sharp-pointed teeth, and samaras with widely diverging wings nearly in a straight line
Description
A medium to large deciduous tree growing up to 60-90 feet tall with a dense, rounded crown. Known for its dark green leaves, milky sap in the petioles, and winged samaras held at a wide angle. Foliage turns yellow in autumn before dropping.
Habitat
Found in deciduous forests, urban parks, and along roadsides; thrives in moist, well-draining soils and full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to eastern and central Europe and southwest Asia; widely introduced and naturalized across North America