Acer platanoides
Specifications
Family
Sapindaceae
Species
Acer platanoides L.
norway maple
Description
It is yellowish or pinkish-white, compact, with a silky sheen, a coarse texture, and usually straight grain. Its bulk weight is very similar to that of sycamore maple.
Plant morphology
A deciduous broadleaf tree native to our forests, this relatively long-lived tree can reach medium to large heights (25-30 m). Its trunk is slender and straight, while the crown, initially pyramidal, becomes rounded and broad with age. The bark, initially smooth and grayish-brown, cracks longitudinally with age, without flaking into plates.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Europe: almost all countries, with the exception of the most Atlantic regions (the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark, western France, and the Iberian Peninsula); in the north it reaches the southern areas of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic countries; in the east it reaches the Urals; in the south, Greece, the Black Sea, and the Caucasus.
Habitat and ecology
A mesophilous species, it prefers well-drained, deep, fertile, and non-acidic soils. It prefers cool-temperate climates and tolerates late frosts well. In central Europe, it grows in the plains, while in Italy it is found in the mountainous regions up to 1,300 m above sea level, along with beech, silver fir, and Norway spruce; this species is much less widespread than sycamore maple.
Uses
Use class
CU1
CU2
CU3
CU4
CU5
Application areas
It is highly sought after for furniture, flooring, and fine cabinetry. In its marbled forms (with wavy grains), it is sought after for musical instruments. It is considered a good fuel.
Use in musical instruments
Widely used in violin making for the production of backs, ribs and sides of both bowed and plucked instruments.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
Species highly vulnerable to attacks by the Asian longhorn beetle, which can cause the death of mature individuals and which can increase mortality caused by attacks by other pathogens.
Conservation measures
Monitoring populations is desirable in order to prevent their potential decline as a result of attacks by the Asian longhorn beetle.
IUCN Red List
IUCN
LC - Least Concern - Low Risk
CITES. Year of assessment
CITES
2017
1975
2050
CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento
2017
Not present.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Texture
Fine
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
660
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
High, Medium
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
High, Medium
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
118
MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.
M.O.E.
9600
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Not durable
Insect resistance
Not resistant