Norway Maple (European Maple)
Acer platanoides · Sapindaceae (Soapberry and Maple family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Palmately lobed with 5 distinct lobes and sharp-pointed teeth
Margin
Serrate with distinct, sharply toothed points on the lobes
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Palmate venation with 5 primary veins radiating from the base, featuring prominent midribs.
Key Features
Distinguished from other maples by its milky white sap exuded from the broken petiole, sharply toothed leaf lobes, and wide-spreading samaras with nearly horizontal wings.
Description
Acer platanoides, commonly known as the Norway Maple, is a large deciduous tree growing up to 20-30 meters tall with a dense, rounded crown. It features dark grey-brown bark with shallow furrows, small greenish-yellow spring flowers clustered in corymbs, and winged samaras. Its broad, deeply lobed leaves provide dense shade and turn a bright yellow in autumn.
Habitat
Thrives in temperate deciduous forests, urban environments, roadsides, and disturbed areas. Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central Europe and southwest Asia. Widely introduced and naturalized in North America, where it is often considered invasive.