Norway Maple (European Maple)
Acer platanoides · Sapindaceae (Soapberry family, traditionally placed in Aceraceae)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Palmately lobed with 5 distinct lobes and acute, sharply pointed tips
Margin
Entire to sparsely toothed with prominent pointed tips on the lobes
Arrangement
Opposite along the stem
Venation
Palmate venation with five primary veins radiating from the base, prominent raised midribs and secondary veins
Key Features
Distinguished by its 5-lobed leaves with sharp pointed teeth, milky white sap that oozes from the broken petiole (leaf stalk), and wide-spreading samaras with nearly horizontal wings
Description
A classic large deciduous tree reaching heights of 40 to 60 feet with a dense, rounded crown. It features dark greyish-black ridged bark, small yellow-green spring flowers appearing in clusters, and iconic winged samara fruits. In autumn, the leaves typically turn a bright yellow, occasionally with hints of orange or brown before dropping.
Habitat
Found in deciduous forests, urban parks, along roadsides, and in disturbed woodlands; prefers moist, well-draining soils and partial to full sun
Native Range
Native to eastern and central Europe and southwest Asia; widely introduced and naturalized in North America and other temperate regions worldwide