Norway Maple vs Mountain Maple - TreeTime.ca

Norway Maple vs Mountain Maple

Acer spicatum

Acer platanoides

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

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Norway Maple

Used to growing in the shadows of the damp forest, White Maple (aka Mountain Maple) is a great fit for shady and wet areas, such as beneath larger trees. Unlike most of its cousins, the White Maple is a shrub instead of a tree. It's still a maple, however, with sap that can be made into Maple syrup to prove it!

In May and June, the classic shapes of Maple leaves are joined by clusters of green and yellow flowers. Soon after, red samaras (aka helicopter seeds or whirligigs) appear. This distinctive appearance makes White Maple an excellent choice for giving urban yards a unique (and patriotic) look.

Norway Maple is a tolerant and adaptable shade tree. This is probably why it is the most popularly planted boulevard tree in North America.

Note: Norway Maple will sucker with age. It's also not a good idea to plant it under power lines.

Mountain Maple Quick Facts

Norway Maple Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 12 m (39 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: purple to bright red to yellow
Fall colour: golden yellow
Bark: thin reddish or greyish
Flowers: yellow and green
Seeds: winged samaras
Seeds: located within the winged samaras
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, PE
Other Names: white maple