Norway Maple
Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Sapindales > Sapindaceae > Acer > Acer platanoides · Sapindaceae (Soapberry/Maple family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Acer platanoides
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Sapindaceae (Soapberry/Maple family)
Shape
Palmately lobed with 5 to 7 sharp, pointed lobes terminating in long hair-like tips
Size
Approximately 4-7 inches (10-18 cm) long and wide, consistent with standard mature dimensions for this species
Margin
Sparse sharp teeth on lobes, smooth wide-angled (u-shaped) sinuses between lobes
Arrangement
Opposite, attached via long yellowish-green to reddish petioles containing milky white sap
Rarity
Very Common (frequently encountered as a shade tree in urban landscapes and wild forest understories)
Color & Pattern
Rich deep green on the upper surface, slightly paler beneath; long petioles show reddish hints; turns bright yellow to orange-yellow in autumn
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation with major primary veins radiating from the leaf base into each main lobe
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) and slightly papery above, smooth beneath with occasional tufts of hairs in major vein axils
Description
A medium to large deciduous tree reaching heights of 40-60 feet with a dense, rounded crown. Features sharp-pointed 5-7 lobed green leaves that exude a white milky sap when the petiole is snapped. In spring, bright yellow-green flower clusters appear before or alongside the emerging leaves. Bark is smooth and grayish-brown when young, maturing into shallow, interconnected tight furrows.
Key Features
Milky sap exuded from broken leaf petiole base; broad 5-7 lobed leaves with long fine teeth; wide U-shaped sinuses; widely spreading seed wings (samaras at nearly 180-degree angles)
Habitat
Thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soils in urban settings, parks, woodlands, and forest edges; highly tolerant of shade, drought, and urban pollution
Geographic Range
Native to continental Europe and Western Asia; widely introduced across eastern and central North America where it has naturalized
Condition Notes
Overall foliage is in Good to Excellent condition with vivid summer green color. Minor light cosmetic leaf damage and slight stippling or herbivory spots visible on a few leaf blades, typical for mid-to-late summer foliage.
Interesting Facts
Unlike native sugar maples, Norway maple leaf stems yield a milky white sap when broken. It produces dense shade and shallow root systems that suppress grass and native wildflowers underneath, making it an aggressive invader in North American forests.
Medicinal & Uses
Widely planted historically as a hardy urban street tree due to its resistance to pollution and compacted soils. Timber is dense and used for furniture and flooring in Europe, though sap syrup yields are lower than Sugar Maple.
Ecological Role
In its non-native range in North America, it frequently outcompetes native flora due to shade tolerance and heavy seed production; listed as an invasive species in several states.
Similar Species
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) - distinguished by clear sap (not milky) in petioles, darker bark, and samaras set at narrower angles; Red Maple (Acer rubrum) - smaller 3-5 lobed leaves with serrated margins.
Foraging Tips
Look for opposite twig structure, long sharp lobe tips, and test the base of a freshly picked leaf stem for a drop of sticky milky white fluid. Spring leaves are edible when young and tender after light blanching.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans. Leaves contain low toxicity to horses if consumed in large withered amounts (similar to other maple species), but generally safe.