Acer Platanoides

Description

Acer Platanoides, commonly known as Norway Maple, is a deciduous tree native to Europe and western Asia. It is widely cultivated in North America, where it has naturalized in some areas. The tree can grow up to 80 feet tall and has a dense, rounded crown. Its bark is gray-brown and develops shallow grooves with age. The leaves are large, lobed, and dark green in color. In the fall, they turn a vibrant yellow color.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Sapindales
Family	Sapindaceae
Genus	Acer

Appearance

The Norway Maple has a dense, rounded crown with a gray-brown bark that develops shallow grooves with age. Its leaves are large, lobed, and dark green in color, with a smooth surface and pointed tips. The leaves are arranged opposite each other on the stem and are typically 5-7 inches in length. In the fall, the leaves turn a vibrant yellow color, adding a splash of color to the landscape.

Care Guide

The Norway Maple requires regular watering, especially during the summer months. It prefers well-draining soil and should be fertilized in the early spring with a balanced fertilizer. The tree should be planted in an area that receives full sunlight or partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-7, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Norway Maple is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, scale insects, and verticillium wilt. Aphids can cause damage to the leaves, while scale insects can cause the tree to develop a sooty mold. Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves to wilt and the tree to die. Regular inspections and treatments can help prevent these issues.

Habitat

The Norway Maple is native to Europe and western Asia and is widely cultivated in North America. It can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including forests, parks, and along roadsides. The tree prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy and clay soils.

Question and Answer

Q: What is the growth rate of a Norway Maple?

A: The growth rate of a Norway Maple is moderate, typically growing 1-2 feet per year.

Q: Can a Norway Maple grow in full shade?

A: While a Norway Maple can tolerate partial shade, it prefers full sunlight and may not grow as well in full shade.

Q: When is the best time to plant a Norway Maple?

A: The best time to plant a Norway Maple is in the spring, after the threat of frost has passed.

Q: How often should a Norway Maple be pruned?

A: A Norway Maple should be pruned regularly to remove dead or diseased branches. It is best to prune in the late winter or early spring, before new growth starts.

Related Plants

• Acer Rubrum
• Acer Saccharinum
• Acer Saccharum
• Acer Palmatum

References

• “Norway Maple.” University of Florida IFAS Extension, 2021, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st079.
• “Acer Platanoides.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287522.
• “Norway Maple.” The Morton Arboretum, 2021, mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/norway-maple.