Acer platanoides L.

Norway maple is a deciduous tree that grows 40-60 ft. (12.2-18.3 m) tall. The opposite leaves are palmately lobed with 5-7 lobes. The margins are marked with a few large teeth. Flowering occurs in the early spring before the leaves emerge. The flowers are inconspicuous and develop into large double samaras that mature in the late summer. Norway maple is very similar to sugar maple but can be distinguished by the fruit, sap and bark. The angle of seed wings of Norway maple is approximately 180 degrees, while the angle between the seed wings of sugar maple is near 120 degrees. Broken leaf petioles of Norway maple ooze white sap while the sap of sugar maple is clear. Norway maple bark is regularly grooved, and sugar maple bark has irregular plates. Norway maple has invaded forested ecosystems throughout the northeastern United States and parts of the Pacific Northwest. Once established into a forest, it has the ability to shade out the native understory and out-compete the native tree species. Norway maple is native to Europe and was first introduced into the United States in 1756. It has been, and continues to be, widely sold as an ornamental.

Identification, Biology, Control and Management Resources