Acer platanoides

Acer platanoides, the Norway maple, is a deciduous tree native to northern and central Europe.

Characteristics
A medium to large tree reaching about 15-25 m, with a broad, rounded crown. The trunk is usually short and sturdy, with grey-brown bark that becomes furrowed with age. The leaves are large, palmate and lobed, resembling those of the plane tree, dark green in summer and turning yellow or brown in autumn. In spring it bears small yellow-green flowers in dense clusters, inconspicuous but honey scented and attractive to bees, followed by winged samaras ripening in autumn.

Growing and care
Sun or partial shade and well drained soil, though it is highly adaptable to different soils and conditions and hardy to USDA zone 3. Maintenance is minimal: prune to remove damaged branches or to shape the crown, and watch for common maple problems such as leaf spot. In some regions it can naturalise aggressively, so non invasive selections are preferable.

Uses
An ornamental and shade tree for parks, gardens and street plantings, valued for its rounded shape and dense canopy.