Norway maple

Acer platanoides L.

Family: Sapindaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats and horses: no verdict found, so it is not assessed (not a clearance). The Ontario BMP says there is currently no available toxicity data for livestock, wildlife, pets or people. For context only, ASPCA lists a different maple, red maple (Acer rubrum), as toxic to horses (wilted leaves) and non-toxic to dogs and cats. Whether Norway maple behaves like red maple was not found.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3a-7b per NC State Plant Toolbox; hardy to USDA 4a per Cornell Woody Plants Database; RHS H7 per RHS (hardy in the severest European continental climates, below -20C)
Light: Full sun to part shade (NC State, Cornell, RHS). Ontario BMP/UMN note it tolerates shade well enough to out-compete native sugar maple in woodland.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: US: 40-50 ft tall, similar spread, possibly taller per NC State; typically 40-50 ft per Cornell (species); CA: average mature height 6-22 m, maximum recorded about 30 m, per Ontario BMP (species); UK: over 12 m tall, wider than 8 m, 20-50 years to maturity, per RHS (species); FR: up to about 30 m per ONF (species)

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon