Species

Acer platanoidesNorway Maple

5 other cultivars

tree RHS Award

Princeton Gold Norway Maple

Acer platanoides 'Princeton Gold'

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer platanoides, the Norway Maple, is a large, dense shade tree from Europe known for its tolerance of urban conditions and its shallow, competitive root system. The species can be invasive in North America.

'Princeton Gold' is a spectacular cultivar featuring brilliant golden-yellow foliage that emerges in spring and holds its color throughout the summer. The vibrant leaves create a high-impact focal point in the landscape.

Uses & Benefits:

Its primary value is its stunning, season-long golden foliage, which provides a dramatic and luminous effect. The chartreuse spring flowers are also attractive.

As a Norway Maple, it is highly tolerant of urban pollution and a range of soil types, making it a tough tree for city environments where a bold color statement is desired.

The dense shade and shallow roots can outcompete native understory plants, and it can escape cultivation, making it ecologically detrimental in many parts of North America. Check local regulations before planting.

SpeciesAcer platanoidesNorway Maple

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

420 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Medium-lived tree

Native To

Europe and Western Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun or light afternoon shade.
It adapts to most soils but prefers well-drained loam.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole, with the root flare at soil level.
Backfill with soil and water deeply to settle.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone.

Pro Tip

Provide afternoon shade in hot southern climates to prevent leaf scorch and maintain the best foliage color.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather to prevent leaf scorch.
Prune in winter to remove dead or crossing branches.
Provide ample space for its large, shallow root system.

Don't

Do not plant where its invasive potential is a concern.
Avoid planting grass or other plants directly under its dense canopy.
Don't plant in areas with reflected heat from pavement without adequate irrigation.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

High-impact golden specimen treeBright contrast in landscape designUrban street tree

Companion Plants

Hosta 'Sum and Substance'Heuchera 'Palace Purple'Buxus sempervirens Geranium macrorrhizum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Princeton Gold Norway Maple questions

What zones can Princeton Gold Norway Maple grow in?

Princeton Gold 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 Princeton Gold Norway Maple deer resistant?

Yes — Princeton Gold Norway Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Princeton Gold Norway Maple bloom?

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

Does Princeton Gold Norway Maple need full sun?

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