Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
Sapindaceae
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0 (2025-05-28)
Description
Norway Maple is a non-native tree widely planted in Buffalo for its tolerance of urban conditions. While considered invasive in natural areas, it remains common in parks and along streets. Distinguished by its broad, dense crown and milky sap when leaves or twigs are broken.
Characteristics
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
5-7 lobes with sharp points, broader than Sugar Maple
Height
40-60 feet
Bark
gray-brown with shallow vertical grooves
Fruit
paired samaras spreading at 180-degree angle
Flowers
yellow-green
Identification Tips
- • Milky sap when leaf stem is broken (key identifier)
- • Leaves broader than Sugar Maple with sharper points
- • Seeds spread horizontally unlike native maples
- • Very dense shade inhibits undergrowth
- • Smooth leaf edges like Sugar Maple
Seasonal Changes
Spring
Yellow-green flowers appear with emerging leaves
Summer
Very dense shade from broad leaves
Fall
Yellow to orange fall color, holds leaves late
Winter
Retains dead leaves longer than native maples
Habitat & Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Soil Preference
tolerates poor soil, compacted soil, various pH
Sun Requirements
full sun
Image Gallery
Leaves
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Bark
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Winter
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