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 leaf
Shape
Palmately lobed with 5 to 7 distinct lobes featuring sharp, pointed tips
Margin
Entire along the main body with sharply toothed, pointed tips on the lobes
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Palmate venation with five primary veins radiating from the base, featuring prominent midribs and secondary veins
Key Features
Milky sap exuded from the petiole when broken, wide five-lobed shape with sharply pointed teeth, and broad winged samaras (seeds) held at nearly a 180-degree angle
Description
A large, medium-green deciduous leaf featuring characteristic sharp, pointed teeth along its palmately arranged lobes. The tree itself is a medium to large deciduous canopy tree with dark, furrowed bark and dense foliage that casts deep shade
Habitat
Found in temperate deciduous forests, urban parks, and along roadsides; highly adaptable to various soil types, pollution, and partial shade, though it prefers moist, well-draining soils
Native Range
Native to eastern and central Europe and southwest Asia; widely introduced and naturalized across North America and parts of the British Isles