Norway Maple
Kingdom: Plantae; Division: Tracheophyta; Class: Magnoliopsida; Order: Sapindales; Family: Sapindaceae; Genus: Acer; Species: Acer platanoides · Sapindaceae (Maple family) · Simple, Deciduous
Species
Acer platanoides
Leaf Type
Simple, Deciduous
Family
Sapindaceae (Maple family)
Shape
Palmately lobed with 5 to 7 lobes; lobes have long, pointed tips (acuminate)
Size
Approximately 4-7 inches wide and long; the petiole is notably long, often exceeding the length of the blade.
Margin
Sparse, sharp, hair-like teeth (aristate) on the lobes; otherwise generally smooth between main points.
Arrangement
Opposite
Rarity
Very Common; widely planted as a street tree and naturalized in many temperate regions.
Color & Pattern
Deep forest green on the upper surface, slightly paler underneath. No variegation visible. In autumn, these leaves typically turn a bright, uniform yellow.
Venation Pattern
Palmate; five to seven main veins radiate from the base of the blade into the lobes.
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) and slightly leathery. A key trait is the milky white sap that exudes from the petiole when broken.
Description
The Norway Maple is a large deciduous tree with a dense, rounded crown. It is known for its broad, palmate leaves and its ability to thrive in harsh urban conditions. Its bark starts smooth and grey, becoming finely fissured with age. In spring, it produces clusters of yellow-green flowers before the leaves fully emerge.
Key Features
Sharp, needle-like points on the lobes and a milky white sap that appears when the leaf stem (petiole) is detached or broken.
Habitat
Native to cool, moist forests of Europe and Western Asia. In North America, it is found in urban areas, disturbed forests, and floodplains.
Geographic Range
Native across Europe and Asia (from France to Russia). Extensively naturalized and considered invasive in parts of the Eastern United States and Canada.
Condition Notes
Excellent health; the specimen is well-pressed with no visible insect damage, fungal spots, or chlorosis. It appears to be a mature summer leaf.
Interesting Facts
It was introduced to North America in the 1700s by John Bartram. It is often confused with the Sugar Maple, but its faster growth and tolerance to pollution made it a favorite for city planning following the loss of American Elms.
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily used for landscaping and timber (furniture and flooring). While some maples are used for syrup, the milky sap of the Norway Maple makes its sap less desirable than the Sugar Maple.
Ecological Role
Provides heavy shade that can suppress native understory growth. Because it is invasive in North America, it can outcompete native hardwoods like the Sugar Maple.
Similar Species
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) - Distinguished by the Norway Maple's milky sap and sharper lobe tips. Sugar Maple has clear sap and more rounded notches between lobes.
Foraging Tips
Look for the opposite branching habit and large, brown, blunt buds in winter. If you find a fallen leaf, snap the stem—if white milk appears, it is a Norway Maple.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans. Safe to handle.