Description
Acer platanoides, commonly known as the Norway maple, is a deciduous tree native to Europe & parts of Asia. It belongs to the Acer genus & is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks & gardens. Here's a general description: Appearance: Norway maple typically grows to a height of 50 to 60 feet, although it can sometimes reach up to 100 feet under optimal conditions. It has a broad, rounded crown with dense foliage. The bark is gray-brown & develops shallow furrows with age. Leaves: The leaves are large, usually measuring 4 to 7 inches in width, & are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. They have five lobes with serrated edges & a dark green color. in autumn, the foliage turns vibrant shades of yellow, orange, or red before falling. Flowers: in spring, Norway maple produces small, yellow-green flowers that appear in clusters. While not particularly showy, they add a subtle charm to the tree. Fruit: Following the flowers, Norway maple develops winged seeds called samaras. These seeds are arranged in pairs & have a characteristic helicopter-like structure, allowing them to be dispersed by wind. Habitat & Growth: Norway maple thrives in various soil types & can tolerate urban environments well. It prefers full sun to partial shade & is adaptable to different climatic conditions. Landscape Use: Due to its attractive foliage & dense canopy, Norway maple is often used as a shade tree in parks, streets, & gardens. Cultural Significance: in addition to its ornamental value, Norway maple has been used in traditional medicine & woodworking. Its wood is fine-grained & durable, making it suitable for furniture & flooring. Hardy in zones 3-7. Growing Instructions for the Norway Maple The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions & to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Soak the seeds in water for several hours. 2. Put the seeds in a ziplock bag. 3. Put the bag in the refrigerator & leave it there for 4 months. 4. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil & half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. 5. Sow the seeds on the soil. 6. Cover the seeds with a layer of soil that is 1/4 of an inch thick. 7. Water the soil so that it is moist but not wet. 8. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted. Norway Maple Acer Platanoides 100 Seeds USA Company
