Norway Maple
acer platanoides
Also known as: ["Norway Maple","Common Maple"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to Europe, known for its large, lobed leaves and vibrant autumn colors.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Acer |
| Botanical Name: | Acer platanoides |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor landscape, park, or large garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–34–43°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates a range of soil types.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning on mature trees
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates shade but may grow less vigorously.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight to prevent scorching; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid sudden light changes; provide dappled shade in hot climates; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; prioritize deep watering over frequent shallow watering.
Soil
deep, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; amend with organic matter for better growth.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; tolerates cold winters and moderate summers. Prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth.
Protect from late frost in spring; ensure good air circulation in hot weather; avoid placing near heat sources.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Test soil before fertilizing; avoid over-fertilization; water thoroughly after application.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in early summer or seed propagation in autumn.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy cuttings.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; autumn for seeds after the plant has set fruit.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light for cuttings; cold stratification for seeds.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; well-draining seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seeds may germinate in 1–3 months with cold stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, heat mat.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to reduce height or encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage healthy growth. Focus on structural pruning when young.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter for container-grown plants.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; replace with fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Generally not required for mature trees; container-grown plants may need repotting every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Check root bound status; use fresh soil; ensure drainage holes; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; avoid overhead watering; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the trunk, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply water slowly to avoid runoff, and continue until water begins to drain from the soil. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch (browning edges) in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; growth slows or halts; bark may crack in extreme cold.
Solution: Mulch around the base to insulate roots; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop due to excessive heat and drought.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; use appropriate fertilizer; apply at recommended rates; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. Apply a second light feeding in midsummer if needed. Avoid fertilizing in fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume seeds or leaves of Acer platanoides. The toxicity is generally low, but caution is advised.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of seeds and leaves of Acer platanoides can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicAcer platanoides contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Norway Maple toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does the Norway Maple attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: What are common issues with Norway Maple?
A: Common issues include leaf spots and fungal growth.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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