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Description
Acer Platanoides Schwedleri, commonly known as the Schwedler Norway maple or red Norway maple, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the sapindaceae family. It is a popular ornamental tree in landscaping due to its stunning red leaves in the spring and summer. This tree is native to central and eastern Europe, but is now widely cultivated in North America and other parts of the world due to its hardiness and adaptability to different climates.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Acer |
Appearance
The Schwedler Norway maple can grow up to 40 feet tall and 35 feet wide, with a rounded crown and a straight trunk. Its leaves are deep red or purple in the spring and summer, turning to green in the fall. The leaves are five-lobed and measure up to 7 inches wide. The tree produces small yellow-green flowers in the spring, followed by winged seeds in the fall. The bark is gray and smooth when young, becoming furrowed with age.
Care Guide
The Schwedler Norway maple prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. It is hardy in USDA Zones 4-7. Water the tree deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry weather. Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Prune the tree in the winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased wood.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Schwedler Norway maple is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and borers. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The tree is also prone to verticillium wilt, a fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves. There is no cure for this disease, but infected branches can be pruned to prevent further spread.
Habitat
The Schwedler Norway maple is native to central and eastern Europe, where it grows in forests and along riverbanks. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in North America and other parts of the world due to its hardiness and adaptability to different climates.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Schwedler Norway maple a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, it can grow up to 2 feet per year.
Q: Can the Schwedler Norway maple tolerate drought?
A: No, it prefers moist soil and may suffer during periods of drought.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Schwedler Norway maple?
A: Once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Are the seeds of the Schwedler Norway maple edible?
A: No, they are not edible and can cause stomach upset if ingested.
Related Plants
- Acer platanoides
- Acer saccharum
- Acer rubrum
- Acer palmatum
References
- “Acer platanoides Schwedleri.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed May 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c865>
- “Acer platanoides Schwedleri.” University of Connecticut Plant Database. Accessed May 2021. <https://hort.uconn.edu/plants/detail.php?pid=8>
- “Norway Maple.” Penn State Extension. Accessed May 2021. <https://extension.psu.edu/norway-maple>
