Acer platanoides
Acer platanoides
Spitzahorn
Faulbam, Krätschenholz
Érable de Norvège, Érable plane
Norway Maple
Size:
The Norway maple is a large tree with broad spreading branches and a round crown (up to 25 m tall). It grows quite quickly when young, but does not become as tall as the sycamore maple.
Leaf:
The lobes of the leaves are sharply pointed. The leaf stalks contain milky sap. In autumn the leaves turn from orange-red to golden yellow.
Flower/fruit:
The Norway maple flowers conspicuously before the leaves shoot in lemon-yellow umbels that have a light fruit-like fragrance. The typical paired wing fruits in autumn ripen as early as the end of September.
Wood:
The wood of the Norway maple is less valuable than that of the sycamore. All maple woods are relatively soft and sensitive.
Trivia/Use:
The Norway maple makes few demands on the soil. However, young trees are readily browsed by small game and must be protected accordingly. Its foliage has a strong soil-improving effect and can be composted well. Under no circumstances should it be pruned in winter and spring as it bleeds heavily.