Harlequin Maple Acer platanoides

Norway maple is a deciduous shade tree in the maple family (Sapindaceae) native to northeastern Europe.   This large tree can reach a height and width of 50 feet so having a large enough area to accommodate it is important.

Prefers full sun to partial shade, a wide range of soils but must be well trained and maintain a medium moisture level. 

An easy growing excellent shade or street tree that tolerates heat, drought, urban conditions, and pollution.  It has a symmetrical, rounded crown and has been used widely as a tree in urban areas of the United States though it is not recommended for many areas now.  It freely reseeds itself, so be aware you may be pulling up seedlings.  

Cultivars may offer the best choice for landscaping. It is noted that this species should be given considerable room, as it covers large areas. Some cultivars of this plant have deep purple or maroon leaves. Shallow roots make it difficult to grow plants underneath.  It is easy to transplant.

Quick ID Hints:

• opposite leaves
• 5-lobed with sharp points
• hairs in axils of veins
• finely furrowed bark
• milky sap when leaf stem is broken
• angle of attachments of the 2 nutlets: a straight line

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to verticillium wilt. Young tree bark may suffer from sun-scald or frost damage.  Its canopy is dense and it has shallow roots which make it very challenging to grown anything under the drip line of the tree.  It can be especially bothersome planted near sidewalks or walkways as it is messy and it self seeds easily becoming weedy in the landscape.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common maple diseases and insect pests.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University