NORWAY MAPLE

• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun, but tolerates some shade
• Soil: Adapts to a wide range of soil types
• Mature Size: 40-60 feet tall, with a similar spread
• Growth Rate: Fast. Adding 1-2 feet per year in ideal conditions.
• Lifespan: 80-100 year
• European Origins: As the name suggests, the Norway maple is native to Europe and Asia. It was introduced to North America in the 1700s as an ornamental shade tree.
• Sweet Sap: Like other maples, the Norway maple produces sap that can be used to make maple syrup, although it’s less sugary than that of the sugar maple
• Salt Tolerance: Norway maples have surprisingly high tolerance to salt, which is one reason they were popular in urban areas where roads are often salted in winter
• Highly Prized Wood: While not as renowned as the sugar maple, Norway maple wood has still been used in the construction of musical instruments including violins and guitars.

Interesting Facts

• While primarily used for shade now, historically, Norway maple wood was used for furniture, tool making, and even musical instruments.
• The distinctive maple leaf adorning the Canadian flag is not actually based on the Norway maple, but on the sugar maple, a native North American species.