The Norway maple possesses two important landscaping attributes. First, is the diverse leaf color offerings. The most popular variety has been the "Crimson King", a Norway maple with very dark red (nearly black) foliage. The second attribute is the species' ability to withstand poor growing conditions, including infertile and compacted soils and pollution. Norway maples can be distinguished from other maple trees by the presence of a milky white sap that oozes out of leaf veins and stalks when broken. The fiddlebacks of the famous and unrivaled Stradivarius violins built by Antonio Stradivarius are rumored to be made of Norway Maple.

Bark: The bark is gray or brown becoming rough and furrowed into narrow edges forming a diamond shape.

Foliage: The 4 - 7 inch long and wide leaves are deciduous, opposite, simple, and 5-lobed. Leaves are dull green above and paler beneath. Bright gold in fall. Leaves stay on the tree late and color toward the end of October and into November.

Flowers: Flowers are perfect, greenish-yellow, and a 1/3 inch in diameter. They appear in early spring before the leaves emerge. One of the most floriferous maples.

Fruit: The fruit 1 - 2 inch long samaras with wide spreading, virtually, horizontally spreading wings.

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More Information

Tree ID Number:	429
Scientific Name:	Acer platanoides
Mature Height:	40 - 50ft.
Canopy Spread (Diameter):	2/3's or equal to height
Branching Shape:	Rounded, symmetrical, and a shallow root system.
Growth Rate:	Medium
Wood Strength:	Hard
Cold Hardiness Zone:	4-7
Soil Moisture Requirements:	Moist
Light Requirements:	Sun, Part or Dappled Shade
Common Pests:	Verticillium wilt, anthracnose, and leaf scorch.
Comments:	Used to shade and accent residential areas.

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