Acer Platanoides | Norway Maple - Height 240-260cm - 30lt

Acer platanoides, commonly known as the Norway maple, is a large deciduous tree native to continental Europe and western Asia and is a popular ornamental tree in parks, gardens, and streetscapes due to its hardiness and adaptability to urban conditions.

The Norway maple can reach heights of 20 to 30 metres, with a broad, rounded crown. Its bark is greyish-brown and smooth when young, becoming ridged and furrowed as the tree matures. The leaves have five to seven lobes, but are typically dark green. In autumn, the foliage turns bright yellow, creating a striking display. The leaves exude a milky sap when broken, which is a distinguishing feature of the species.

In spring, Acer platanoides produces clusters of small, yellow-green flowers that bloom before the leaves emerge. These flowers are arranged in upright, corymb-like inflorescences, making the tree visually appealing during the early part of the growing season. The tree also produces characteristic winged seeds known as samaras, which appear in pairs and are often referred to as "helicopter seeds" due to the way they spin as they fall to the ground.

Norway maple is a fast-growing species and is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, including poor and compacted soils. Its adaptability to polluted urban environments makes it a favoured choice for street planting.