Acer platanoides, commonly known as Norway Maple, is a large deciduous tree native to Europe and western Asia, widely introduced and naturalized across North America. It typically grows 15 to 25 meters (50 to 82 feet) tall and is recognized by its broad, five-lobed leaves with sharply pointed tips and a milky sap that appears when the leaf stalk is broken. Its paired, winged seeds (samaras) are widely spread at nearly a 180-degree angle. Norway Maple is highly adaptable and tolerates a range of soil and light conditions, often outcompeting native species in urban and disturbed environments. Though once popular as a street tree, it is now considered invasive in many regions due to its aggressive spread and dense canopy, which can limit the growth of understory plants.
