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Overview
Acer pseudoplatanus is a large deciduous tree reaching 50–80 feet (15–24 m) tall and 40–60 feet (12–18 m) wide, with a broad, rounded crown. Leaves are palmate with 5 broad, coarsely toothed lobes, 4–7 inches (10–18 cm) across, dark green above and distinctly pale gray-green to whitish beneath. In fall, foliage turns yellow before dropping. Bark on young trees is smooth and gray; on mature trees it develops irregular flaking plates that reveal orange-brown inner bark, producing a mottled appearance. In May, pendulous clusters of yellow-green flowers 2–5 inches (5–13 cm) long appear with the leaves. Paired samaras with wings set at 60–90 degrees ripen in September and October. Growth rate is fast in youth, 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) per year, slowing at maturity. The tree is wind-firm and tolerates salt spray, exposed coastal conditions, and air pollution. Seeds from a single tree can number in the thousands annually; seedling germination is prolific and the species establishes readily in disturbed ground, forest margins, and natural areas. In parts of New Zealand, the UK, and some US Pacific coastal regions, it is considered a naturalized or invasive species; its planting near natural areas is discouraged in those contexts. Seeds and seedlings contain hypoglycin A, which causes atypical myopathy in horses; horse owners should prevent access to fallen seeds.
Native Range
Native to central and southern Europe, from the Pyrenees and Alps east to the Caucasus, and from southern Scandinavia south to the Mediterranean mountains. Found in mixed deciduous mountain forests at elevations from approximately 1,600 to 5,900 feet (500–1,800 m).Suggested Uses
Planted as a large shade tree in parks, coastal landscapes, and sites exposed to wind where few other large trees establish reliably. Tolerates road salt and urban pollution better than many large maples. Avoid planting near natural areas, forest margins, and horse pastures. In regions where the species is considered invasive or naturalized, consult local guidelines before planting.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height50' - 80'
Width/Spread40' - 60'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Blooms in May in zones 4–7, with pendulous yellow-green flower clusters 2–5 inches (5–13 cm) long appearing as leaves expand. Individual clusters last 2–3 weeks. Samaras ripen September through October and disperse by wind; seedling germination in spring is abundant, often thousands per tree.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark green above, pale gray-green to whitish beneath; yellow in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Water weekly for the first 1–2 growing seasons; established trees are drought-tolerant and largely self-sufficient in regions with 25 or more inches (635 mm) of annual precipitation. The tree tolerates exposed windy sites, coastal salt spray, compacted urban soils, and air pollution. It performs in part shade but develops a denser crown in full sun. Seedling management is the primary maintenance task: seedlings germinate in large numbers under and around the parent tree and require regular removal to prevent unwanted spread into adjacent plantings or natural areas. Monitor for horse access to areas with fallen seeds, which contain hypoglycin A and can cause atypical myopathy.Pruning
Prune during dormancy (November through January) or in summer (July–August). The species heals large wounds reliably; remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches at the branch collar. Young trees benefit from structural pruning in years 3–10 to establish a clear leader and balanced crown. Mature trees require minimal pruning beyond deadwood removal. Avoid pruning in spring to reduce sap loss.Pruning Schedule
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