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
Palmate with 5 distinct, sharply toothed lobes
Margin
Serrate with sharply pointed teeth at the lobe tips
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Palmate venation with five primary veins radiating from the base
Key Features
Opposite, palmately lobed leaves with sharp teeth, milky white sap exuded from the broken petiole, and widely spreading samaras with nearly horizontal wings.
Description
The Norway Maple is a large, stately deciduous tree known for its dense, rounded crown and dark green foliage. In autumn, the leaves typically turn a modest yellow before dropping. The bark is dark brown with shallow, narrow grooved ridges.
Habitat
Thrives in urban and suburban environments, deciduous forests, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas. Highly adaptable to various soil types and shade conditions.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central Europe and southwest Asia. Widely introduced and naturalized across North America, where it is often considered invasive.