Norway Maple (Acer platanoides 'Deborah') is a native European shade tree that has become a standard in urban landscapes across the U.S. This deciduous medium-sized tree grows 40 to 50 feet tall with a dense, symmetrical, rounded crown and distinctive five-lobed leaves up to 7 inches across that resemble sugar maple foliage. Hardy in zones 3 through 7, it thrives in full sun and tolerates a wide range of soils, heat, drought, and urban pollutants, making it remarkably adaptable to challenging growing conditions. The tree produces small yellow flowers in spring before the leaves emerge, followed by showy winged fruits that add visual interest through the season.
Partial Sun
Moderate
3-7
600in H x 600in W
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Low
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Large, elegantly lobed leaves with a milky sap when cut give this tree distinct character in the landscape. Its tolerance for urban pollution and varied soil types, combined with genuine drought tolerance once established, makes it far more resilient than many shade trees of similar stature. The dense, symmetrical crown provides substantial shade while the shallow root system demands thoughtful placement to avoid conflicts with driveways or nearby structures.
Norway Maple serves primarily as a shade tree and street tree in urban and suburban settings. Its dense, rounded canopy and tolerance of urban conditions have made it a preferred choice for hedgerows and landscape plantings across temperate regions. The tree attracts birds, adding wildlife value to residential and public landscapes.
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“Native to Europe, Norway Maple has been widely planted throughout North American cities and suburbs since its introduction to cultivation. Trees have so successfully naturalized in parts of the northeastern and upper midwestern U.S. that they now reseed freely in many areas, a testament to their vigor and adaptability to temperate climates.”