Acer Platanoides - Norway Maple

Acer platanoides, commonly known as Norway Maple, is a handsome, fast-growing deciduous tree widely specified for large-scale landscaping, avenues, shelter-belts and specimen planting schemes. Frequently mistaken at first glance for sycamore, Norway Maple is considered a far superior ornamental and structural tree, offering stronger form, more vibrant autumn colour and exceptional performance across a wide range of sites. Although native to mainland Europe rather than Britain, it is extensively planted throughout the UK due to its reliability and visual impact.

Norway Maple is particularly valued for its sharply pointed, glossy dark green leaves, which transform into a rich golden-yellow display in autumn. One of its most striking features is the early season flowering: clusters of acid yellow-green flowers emerge in March before the leaves unfurl, creating a vivid architectural statement in parks, estates and commercial landscapes. This early pollen source also provides ecological value for insects emerging in spring.

Extremely tough and adaptable, Norway Maple performs well on most soils, including acidic ground, and is highly tolerant of exposure and urban pollution. This resilience makes it an excellent choice for councils, developers, farmers and landowners requiring durable, low-maintenance trees for roadside planting, field boundaries, shelter-belts and public realm projects. In addition to its landscaping value, the sap can be used to produce sugar, and the timber is suitable for veneers, cabinet making and crafted wooden items.

Features & Benefits

Fast-growing deciduous tree with strong structure

Striking acid yellow-green spring flowers

Rich golden-yellow autumn colour

Tolerant of pollution and exposed sites

Performs well on acidic soils

Suitable for large-scale commercial and rural planting

Valuable early pollen source for insects

Applications

Specimen tree planting in parks and estates

Avenue planting schemes

Farm and agricultural shelter-belts

Urban landscaping and roadside projects

Dry or exposed site planting

Large gardens and commercial developments

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 8m height x 4m spread

After 20 years: 13m height x 7m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Acer platanoides

Common Name | Norway Maple

Plant Type | Deciduous tree

Growth Rate | Fast

Mature Height | Up to 13m+

Mature Spread | Up to 7m

Soil Type | Most soils including acidic

Aspect | Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK

Tolerance | Pollution and exposed conditions

Maintenance | Prune during winter dormancy

Wildlife Value | Early spring pollen source