Norway Maple

Growth Habit

Norway maples are tall deciduous trees, growing up to 40-60+ feet tall with broad crowns. Large maple-shaped leaves are opposite each other on the stem and deciduous. Small yellow flowers bloom in the early spring and form samaras, with wings nearly at a 180 degree angle. It and its cultivars have been widely planted as a landscape tree throughout the United States. Over time it has spread and become a notable invader in the eastern US.

Leaves

Typical maple-shaped leaves grow oppositely along branches and stems. When broken off of the plant, the stem produces a milky sap. Most cultivars have a dark green top side and a light green on the bottom side. Fall coloration is typically yellow, but several cultivars make red to orange hues.

Flowers

Upright, yellow-green, clusters of small 5-petaled flowers which have exerted stamens. Typically blooms in April to May, before leaves emerge. Trees take 20 to 30 years before reaching sexual maturity and being able to produce flowers.

Fruit & Seeds

The dry fruit (samara) is of two sections, each with a seed that has a papery wing. The section with the seeds are connected at their bases and are hairless. The wings are in a wide angle from each other or sometimes almost horizontal. Trees take 20 to 30 years before reaching sexual maturity and being able to produce seed.

Habitat

Norway maples are very shade tolerant, but can also grow in open areas. They grow in disturbed and undisturbed habitats, especially forests and forest edges, but also can grow in hot and dry areas.

Spread Mechanisms

Reproduction

Seed, which spread easily on wind or float on water.

Mechanical