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Complete Care Guide for the Norway Maple (Acer platanoides): A Definitive Guide to Growing and Maintaining
El real maple, scientifically known as Acer platanoides, is one of the most appreciated trees in parks, gardens and urban alignments for its majestic bearing, its rapid growth rate, and the spectacular colors it offers in autumn. Its adaptation to temperate climates and a variety of soils make it an ideal choice for landscaping and as an ornamental tree.
From Northern Europe and Western Asia, the royal maple is part of the genus Acer, made up of about 160 species belonging to the family sapindaceae. Among its common names are Norway maple, maple in norwegian, acirón y platanoid mapleOn the Iberian Peninsula, it is native to areas of the Pyrenees, parts of Cantabria, and the Basque Country, although its cultivation has spread to wider regions thanks to its hardiness and attractiveness.
Botanical characteristics of the royal maple
The royal maple is a deciduous tree which can exceed 25-30 meters in height in optimal conditions, with a tendency to develop a rounded cup of great width. Its main characteristics are:
- Sheets: Palmate, composed of 5 pointed lobes (some varieties may have 3-lobes), measuring between 10 and 20 cm. They have an intense green color in spring and summer, turning yellow-orange o reddish in autumn. When cut, they exude a light latex.
- Flowers: They appear grouped in panicles before or alongside the spring leaf budding. They are small, yellow-greenish, not very ornamental but important for honey production.
- Fruits: Winged disamaras (samaras) 3 to 5 cm, which mature in autumn and are easily dispersed by the wind
- Cortex: Initially smooth and light grey, cracking with age.
- Wood: Valuable for cabinetmaking and carpentry for its strength and beauty.
The royal maple can live for over a century, with robust and long-lived specimens found in cool, fertile environments. There are cultivars such as Acer platanoides 'Stollii', which feature a more conical crown and leaves with fewer lobes, adding additional ornamental interest.
Climate and soil requirements for the royal maple
El Acer platanoides is ideal for temperate climates and mountainous, with a preference for cool environments and good soil and air humidity. Its notable adaptations include:
- Cold resistance: It tolerates frost perfectly and even quite low temperatures once established.
- Heat and drought: Moderately tolerant to heat and short periods of drought, especially adult specimens. In dry climate areas, it is essential to reinforce the irrigation in summer.
- Exhibition: It prefers locations in full sun, although in warm regions it will grow better in semi-shade.
- Floors: Very adaptable. Develops best in fertile, deep, moist, and well-drained soils, both acidic and calcareous. However, it can grow in poorer soils and even tolerate urban pollutionIt is sensitive to salinity.
In its natural habitat, it's often found near waterways, growing on soils with good moisture retention capacity. In gardens or parks, it's recommended to avoid compacted or waterlogged soils, as this can damage its roots.
Planting and multiplication
- Time: The best time to plant a maple is in late winter or early spring, when the ground is no longer frozen.
- Space: Due to its large size, it should be located in large areas, away from buildings, underground pipes and other large trees.
- Spread: Mainly from seeds in autumn, which require a period of cold stratification before germinating in spring. They are also obtained cuttings late winter.
If you want to grow it in a pot, it is only viable in its first years using substrates for acid plants or akadama, but the ideal is to transfer it to the final soil as soon as possible due to the vigor of its root system.
Irrigation, fertilization and maintenance
- Irrigation: It requires slightly moist soil, but never waterlogged. Water frequently during the summer and the first few years of establishment. Use rainwater or low-lime water.
- Subscriber: Apply compost or manure at planting time and in early spring. For the first three years, an annual organic fertilizer stimulates growth. After that, it will only be necessary if the soil is poor.
- Pruning: It is not advisable to perform drastic pruning. Only remove dry, damaged, or poorly oriented branches in winter. cultivars such as 'Stollii' Light training pruning is recommended every 3-5 years to maintain its balanced appearance.
Pest and disease resistance and compatibility
- Diseases and pests: The maple is very resistant to common garden pests and fungal diseases. They may appear aphids or mealybugs occasionally; in humid climates it may suffer from mildew or leaf spots.
- Toxicity: It does not present significant toxic effects for domestic animals.
Uses and benefits of maple
- Ornamental: An unsurpassed species as a shade tree and for adding color to parks, large gardens, and avenues.
- Wood: High quality, used in carpentry and cabinetmaking.
- Ecology: Honey plant, important for pollinators during spring flowering.
Diversity, names and taxonomy
Common name: Royal maple, Norway maple, Norwegian maple, platanoid maple, acirón.
Names in other languages:
- Catalan: Erable
- Basque: Astigar zorrotz
- Galician: Pradairo real
- Norwegian Board
- Asturian: Plà danu real
Scientific name and synonyms: Acer platanoides, Acer dieckii, Acer fallax, Acer lactescens, Acer lobergii, Acer platanifolium, Acer rotundum, Acer vitifolium, Euacer acutifolium.
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Plant
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopside
- Order: sapindales
- Family: aceraceae (Sapindaceae)
- Gender: Acer
Royal maple is an excellent choice for those looking for a fast-growing ornamental tree, a hardy species with spectacular landscape value, as well as an ally for urban and rural biodiversity. Its low maintenance, robustness, and adaptability make it a favorite species for professional and domestic gardening projects.
