Acer platanoides, Norway Maple

Acer platanoides is a deciduous tree which grows up 20m in height which can thrive in any soil. It prefers sunny position but also tolerates some degree of shade and is very tolerant of atmospheric pollution. This acer tree is part of a woodland covering Gallert Hill on the Buda side of Budapest, Hungary. It’s located on the east side of the hill on a steep slope, and immediately next to a footpath. Acer platanoides is very bad companion to other plants as it inhibits their growth. In this case the closest neighboring trees to this one are also Acer platanoides, The tree has some spots on its leaves which can be sign for decease or scorch from acidic rain which is not unusual phenomenon there. This woodland undoubtedly acts as an air filter, sound buffer for the busy city noise and also home for various bird species, rodents and insects. The sap of the tree contains big amount of sugar and can be used as a drink or for the production of maple syrup. 

The leaves can used as package for fruits and rootcrops to help preserve them.