Norway Maple Acer platanoides 'Goldsworth Purple'
ABOUT
The Norway maple 'Goldsworth Purple' is a variant of the Norway maple known for its unique foliage coloration. This plant typically exhibits a striking display of deep purple leaves which are the defining characteristic of this variety. These leaves are usually large and have a broad, lobed shape reminiscent of the classic maple leaf silhouette. During different seasons, the leaf color can vary, sometimes transitioning towards a greenish hue. However, the new growth in the spring is especially vibrant with the purple shade being most intense. The foliage is not the only attractive aspect of the Norway maple 'Goldsworth Purple'; in springtime, it produces clusters of small flowers that add to the ornamental value of the tree. These flowers are often modest in size and may have a yellow or greenish tinge. As the season progresses, the flowers give way to the characteristic winged seeds known as samaras that maple trees are famous for. Overall, Norway maple 'Goldsworth Purple' has a rounded and spreading canopy that creates a dome of foliage. This canopy provides a play of color in the landscape, correlating with the changing seasons. The bark of this tree is gray and may become gently furrowed as it matures, providing textural interest throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Sapindaceae.
Synonyms
Norway Maple, Goldsworth Purple Norway Maple.
Common names
Acer platanoides 'Goldsworth Purple'.
ToxicityTo humans
Norway maple, the most common common name for Acer platanoides 'Goldsworth Purple', is not generally considered toxic to humans. However, some people may have a sensitivity to specific parts of the plant, such as the sap, which could potentially cause skin irritation in susceptible individuals. Ingesting parts of the plant is not likely to cause serious poisoning, but it is always advisable to avoid eating any plant parts unless they are known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Norway maple is not known to be highly toxic to pets. However, as with humans, certain parts of the plant, like the sap, might cause mild gastrointestinal upset or irritation if ingested. While serious toxicity is unlikely, it is always prudent to monitor pets around plants and discourage them from chewing on or consuming plant material, as individual animals might have unique sensitivities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Purple
Flower color
Yellow-green
Height
35-45 feet (10.67-13.72 meters)
Spread
25-30 feet (7.62-9.14 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Acer platanoides 'Goldsworth Purple', commonly known as Norway Maple, has a striking purple foliage that offers aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Shade Provision: As a deciduous tree, it provides ample shade in the summer, making it ideal for parks, gardens, and as a street tree.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The tree can serve as a habitat and food source for various wildlife species, including birds and small mammals.
- Seasonal Interest: Norway Maple exhibits seasonal changes that add interest, with purple leaves in spring, green in summer, and yellow in autumn.
- Erosion Control: With its robust root system, the tree helps prevent soil erosion, especially in sloped areas.
- Adaptability: The tree is adaptable to a range of soil conditions and urban environments, making it suitable for various landscape settings.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it shows moderate tolerance to drought, requiring less maintenance and watering.
- Carbon Sequestration: As a large deciduous tree, it helps in carbon sequestration, mitigating the impacts of CO2 emissions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Backdrop: The striking purple foliage of the Norway Maple 'Goldsworth Purple' can create a dramatic and contrasting background for portrait and macro photography.
- Natural Dye: The leaves can be used to extract a natural dye for fabrics or art projects, providing a range of colors from yellow to brown depending on the mordant used.
- Leaf Castings: The distinctive leaves can be used to make decorative concrete or plaster castings for garden ornaments or artistic creations.
- Seasonal Decorations: Branches and leaves can be used in fall arrangements or wreaths to provide a touch of natural purple color to autumn decor.
- Canopy for Shade-Loving Plants: The dense foliage can create a shaded microclimate underneath, suitable for planting shade-loving groundcovers or perennials.
- Education and Research: Its adaptive characteristics make it suitable for studies in environmental change, plant physiology, and urban forestry.
- Privacy Screening: Tall specimens can be planted in rows to form a colorful, dense, and deciduous privacy screen in gardens and landscapes.
- Insect Habitat: The tree can provide habitat and food for specific insects, especially those adapted to maple trees, contributing to biodiversity.
- Landscape Design: The distinctive color can be used in thematic garden designs, such as purple gardens, to create a visually cohesive planting scheme.
- Culinary Garnish: Though not commonly consumed, the fresh young leaves could theoretically be used as an ornamental garnish for plating in haute cuisine, adding a unique color contrast.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Norway Maple is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Norway Maple is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength - Acer platanoides, commonly known as the Norway Maple, symbolizes strength due to its robust and sturdy wood.
- Resilience - The ability of the Norway Maple to adapt to various soil conditions and climates represents resilience and flexibility in overcoming challenges.
- Beauty - With its striking purple leaves, the 'Goldsworth Purple' variety suggests an appreciation for natural beauty and uniqueness.
- Longevity - Norway Maples can live for a considerable amount of time, embodying the idea of longevity and endurance.
WaterThe Norway Maple, commonly known as Acer platanoides 'Goldsworth Purple', requires consistent moisture, particularly in its first few growing seasons to establish a deep, extensive root system. Water the tree deeply, applying around 10 gallons per week for a newly planted sapling, and adjust amounts for larger trees. During dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week. Avoid shallow watering which will not reach the deeper roots. Always allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to prevent water-logging, which can lead to root rot.
LightNorway Maple thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot would be an open area that gets ample morning light and is protected from harsh afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureNorway Maple prefers a temperate climate and is hardy in a range between 20°F to 80°F. It can withstand occasional dips below this range once mature but young trees might be damaged by extreme cold. The ideal growing temperatures for the Norway Maple are between 50°F and 75°F, where it can grow most vigorously.
PruningPrune Norway Maple to maintain its shape and remove any dead or crossing branches, which helps to prevent disease and improve air circulation. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning should be done every 2-3 years, or as needed to remove damaged limbs.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNorway Maple 'Goldsworth Purple' thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 4.0 to 7.0. A soil mix that contains equal parts of loam, peat, and sharp sand can provide the necessary drainage and nutrients. Mulching with organic matter is beneficial to maintain soil moisture and health.
RepottingNorway Maples like 'Goldsworth Purple' do not require frequent repotting as they are typically planted outdoors. However, if grown in containers they may need repotting every 3-5 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingNorway Maple 'Goldsworth Purple' is quite adaptable to a range of outdoor humidity conditions and does not require specific humidity levels when planted in its natural outdoor habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright light, avoid direct sun, well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Norway Maple 'Goldsworth Purple' begins with seed germination, which occurs when conditions are right, usually involving a period of cold stratification followed by warmth. The germinated seed then develops into a seedling, marked by the emergence of its first leaves. As the seedling grows, it enters the juvenile phase, developing a root system and foliage as it matures into a young tree. This tree will continue to grow in height and girth during the vegetative stage until it reaches reproductive maturity. Once mature, it will produce flowers typically in spring, which upon successful pollination, develop into samaras (winged fruit) that disperse by wind. The cycle continues as new seeds from the fruit fall to the ground, ready to germinate and start the process anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for 'Goldsworth Purple', which is a cultivar of the Norway Maple (Acer platanoides), is through softwood cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still soft and green. Cut a piece of the stem that is about 4 to 6 inches long (approximately 10 to 15 cm), making sure it has at least two sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves should be removed and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone, then planted in a moist potting mix. The cutting should be placed in a bright location out of direct sunlight and kept consistently moist. With proper care, roots will develop in a few weeks, and the new Norway Maple 'Goldsworth Purple' will begin to grow.
