Species

Acer platanoidesNorway Maple

5 other cultivars

tree

Columnar Norway Maple

Acer platanoides 'Columnare'

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer platanoides, the Norway Maple, is a large, tough deciduous tree with a dense canopy and distinctive palmate leaves. It is highly adaptable to urban conditions but can be invasive in some regions.

'Columnare' is a popular cultivar valued for its narrow, upright, columnar growth habit, making it suitable for tight spaces, street plantings, or formal garden designs.

Uses & Benefits:

Its primary ornamental feature is its tight, columnar form, which provides a strong vertical element in the landscape. It also has attractive yellow fall color.

Excellent for use in narrow spaces where a normal shade tree would not fit, such as between buildings, along driveways, or as a tall, formal screen.

In North America, its ecological benefit is limited and often negative. It aggressively self-seeds and its dense shade outcompetes native understory plants, reducing biodiversity.

SpeciesAcer platanoidesNorway Maple

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

480 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Leaves can be toxic to horses if ingested

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade.
Tolerates a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained.
Dig a hole two to three times as wide as the root ball.
Set the tree so the root flare is visible at the soil line.
Backfill with native soil and water deeply to eliminate air pockets.
Mulch around the base, but keep it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Be aware that Norway maples cast dense shade and have shallow roots, making it difficult to grow grass or perennials underneath.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water during prolonged drought, especially when young.
Prune only to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Provide ample space for the root system to spread.
Check local invasive species lists before planting.

Don't

Don't plant where its invasive seedlings are a concern.
Avoid spring pruning, which causes heavy sap flow ('bleeding').
Do not plant too deep; ensure the root flare is exposed.
Don't plant where shallow roots will interfere with paving or lawns.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent vertical accent for narrow spacesFormal street or driveway liningArchitectural screen or hedge

Companion Plants

Vinca minor Pachysandra terminalis Hosta plantaginea Epimedium x rubrum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Columnar Norway Maple questions

What zones can Columnar Norway Maple grow in?

Columnar 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 Columnar Norway Maple deer resistant?

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

When does Columnar Norway Maple bloom?

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

Does Columnar Norway Maple need full sun?

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

Is Columnar Norway Maple drought tolerant?

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