Acer platanoides

COMMON NAME: Norway Maple

FAMILY: Maple Family; Aceraceae

GROWTH HABIT: Medium sized, fast-growing tree, rounded crown and dense foliage.

FOLIAGE: Opposite, deciduous, simple. Similar to sugar maple, usually wider than it is long. 4 - 7 in. long, 5 sharply pointed lobes. Leaves generally broader than long, 4 - 8 in. Sinuses between lobes rather shallow. Petiole exudes a milky sap when broken.

BUDS: Large, and reddish (sometimes intermixed with green). Ovoid, 1/8 in. long. Terminal flower bud up to 3/8 in. long.

BARK: Black, ridged, and furrowed with age.

FLOWERS: Greenish yellow in April, just before the leaves, then remaining after they have unfolded. Bright yellow-green, in erect, pubescent clusters.

FRUIT: Twin, winged samaras 1 1/2 - 2 in. long. Wings divergent at nearly 180 degrees.

NATURAL HISTORY: Commonly planted in urban settings because of its resistance to smoke, dust, and inset pests.

NATIVE HABITAT: Europe, Caucasus