Also known as Aieresse · Great Maple · Norway Acer
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to pets. See toxicity details.
Norway maple (Acer platanoides) is a popular shade tree with lobed leaves, often planted for ornamental purposes and its fall color.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best growth and color, but tolerates partial shade. Extended shade can reduce vigor.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially when young or during dry periods. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings for established trees.
Well-drained, moist soils
50% intensity
Wide Range
25% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 4-7. Tolerates both heat and cold well once established.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with high nitrogen.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Sap can cause skin irritation in some individuals. Ingestion of leaves or seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Norway maples regularly, especially during the first few years after planting and during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Deep watering encourages a strong root system.
Reduce watering frequency once the tree is established, but provide supplemental water during prolonged droughts.
Prune Norway maples to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant.
Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season to shape or maintain size. Avoid pruning in fall as it can stimulate sap bleeding.
Norway maples are typically propagated by grafting or seed. Seeds require stratification; they are best sown in fall or after a period of cold treatment.
Grafting is commonly used for cultivars to ensure desirable traits. Bare-root or container-grown saplings are widely available from nurseries.
Repotting is generally not required for established Norway maples due to their size. For young trees or those grown in containers, repotting should occur in early spring before bud break.
Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and use a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the root ball is loosened if pot-bound.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)
Where Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Acer |
| Species | Acer platanoides |
Similar in genus Acer
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
