Acer Platanoides Columnare Norway Maple

Acer Platanoides Columnare, or Norway Maple Columnare, is a tough, hardy, long-lived landscape tree  with a narrow columnar shape which will provide reliable foliage, spring flowers and autumn colour.

Acer Platanoides or Norway Maple is native to northern Europe. The cultivar Columnare is a fast growing deciduous erect tree. Acer Platanoides Columnare was introduced in France in 1855, and has been a popular choice for UK gardeners because of its tolerance of a wide range of growing conditions and attractive columnar shape. It has a strong upright narrow growth habit naturally forming a columnar shape.

In early spring, before the leaves emerge, the tree is covered with small, greenish-yellow flowers which will provide an early source of nectar for bees and butterflies. The leaves of Norway Maple Columnare are an attractive dark green, in the familiar maple shape and up to 20 cm across. In autumn, they turn a soft golden-yellow.

Hardy in even the most extreme continental climates, Acer Platanoides Columnare will grow to a mature height of more than 12 metres and spread of more than 8 metres in 20 to 50 years. These cultivars of the Norway Maple can be expected to live for more than 100 years. The tall, narrow crown of Norway Maple Columnare makes it a good choice for smaller spots, and little or no pruning is required to maintain its oval shape.

Plant Acer Platanoides Columnare in full sun or partial shade in any moist but well-drained soil, in an exposed or sheltered position. Once established, Acer Platanoides Columnare is drought tolerant, and will grow well in poor soil where other trees would suffer. It is moderately tolerant of salt, so can be used in coastal regions, and is highly tolerant of pollution, making it ideal for city gardens. It is also deer resistant, so can be used on country properties without extra protection. It is wind resistant, so can be used in very exposed positions. The root system of Norway Maple Columnare is shallow, so avoid planting within a metre of pavement.

The striking narrow form of Acer Platanoides Columnare lends itself to a variety of landscape uses. Plant a row as a privacy screen or to line an avenue or use one specimen tree as a focal point in a lawn.

The elegant shape of Acer Platanoides Columnare, as well as its foliage and flowers, will be a welcome addition to gardens large and small. Other members of the Norway Maple family include Acer Platanoides Drummondii which is a variegated variety, Acer Platanoides Royal Red which has red-purple foliage and Acer Platanoides Globosum which has a naturally rounded growth habit.