Species

Acer platanoidesNorway Maple

6 other cultivars

tree

Globe Norway Maple

Acer platanoides 'Globosum'

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer platanoides, the Norway maple, is a deciduous tree native to Europe and Western Asia that adapts readily to challenging urban soils and compaction. The species features broad, five-lobed leaves and produces upright clusters of small, yellowish-green flowers in early spring before the foliage unfurls.

'Globosum' is a slow-growing cultivar that naturally forms a dense, flattened-spherical crown without requiring shearing. Usually grafted high on a clear standard, its glossy green spring foliage emerges with a brownish-red tint before turning an intense golden-yellow in fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a highly symmetrical, dense globe of glossy green foliage that turns golden-yellow in autumn.

Tolerates urban compaction, air pollution, and short-term flooding, making it highly suited for street plantings.

Provides dense canopy cover and nesting sites for birds, while spring flowers offer nectar to generalist bees.

SpeciesAcer platanoidesNorway Maple

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240"

Width

240"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Tolerates urban pollution

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Europe and Western Asia

Toxicity

Mild skin irritant (sap)

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the graft union well above the soil line.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring if the initial growth appears sluggish.

Pro Tip

Prune only in late summer or early fall to prevent the sap from bleeding heavily, and never cut back hard into old, leafless wood that lacks dormant buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water during prolonged dry spells to maintain soil moisture.
Prune out dead, diseased, or crossing branches in late summer.
Wear gloves when pruning to avoid contact with the irritating milky latex sap.

Don't

Do not prune in late winter or spring, as the stems will bleed sap heavily.
Do not plant in areas exposed to heavy sea salt spray or coastal winds.
Do not over-fertilize, which can disrupt the naturally tight, slow growth habit.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeStreet TreeFormal GardensSmall GardensUrban Landscapes

Companion Plants

Hosta Astilbe Heuchera Polystichum acrostichoides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Globe Norway Maple questions

What zones can Globe Norway Maple grow in?

Globe Norway Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Globe Norway Maple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Globe Norway Maple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Globe Norway Maple bloom?

Globe Norway Maple typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Globe Norway Maple need full sun?

Globe Norway Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Globe Norway Maple drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Globe Norway Maple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.