Norway maples have invasive traits that enable them to spread aggressively. While these trees have demonstrated invasive traits, there is insufficient supporting research to declare them so pervasive that they cannot be recommended for any planting sites. Review of risks should be undertaken before selecting these trees for planting sites. Norway maple is known for its tolerance of urban conditions, but it often becomes a weedy plant through self-seeding.
All Common Names:
Tree or Plant Type:
- Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Zone 4,
- Zone 5 (Chicago),
- Zone 6,
- Zone 7
- Moist, well-drained soil
- Dry sites,
- Occasional drought,
- Wet sites,
- Occasional flooding,
- Alkaline soil,
- Clay soil,
- Road salt
- Moderately Tolerant
- Commonly planted
- Fall color
Season of Interest:
- Mid spring,
- Early fall,
- Mid fall
Flower Color & Fragrance:
Shape or Form:
- Insect pollinators
Tree & Plant Care
Avoid pruning in early spring as maples are 'bleeders' and will lose large amounts of sap.
Adapted to a wide range of soils and environments. Tolerates pollution well.
Disease, pests, and problems
This maple is prone to girdling roots. Norway maple tends to self sow and become weedy.
Verticillium wilt (fungus) is a potential serious problem. Anthracnose is a common leaf disease.
Tar spot is becoming very common on this species.
Native geographic location and habitat
Native to Europe.
Bark color and texture
Bark is gray and fairly tightly ridged and furrowed.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture
Simple leaves in pairs (opposite); 3 to 6 inches long. Leaves are slightly broader than those of sugar maple.
The 5 lobed leaves are dark green in summer. Fall color is not reliable. It can range form yellow-green to a nice yellow.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size
Small, pale yellow flowers in upright, rounded clusters.
Inconspicuous by themselves, but very showy when the whole tree is in flower.
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions
Fruit are winged seeds in pairs (samaras); each wing is 1-2 inches long and the two wings are spread at a wide angle.
Green, maturing to brown.