Acer platanoides Globosum - Maple

Acer platanoides 'Globosum' is sometimes called Globe Norway Maple due to the distinctive appearance of its rounded and very dense crown, which gives it the look of a true vegetal parasol. This small-sized tree develops beautifully cut deciduous foliage, of a rather dark green colour, which turns to beautiful yellow to reddish tones in autumn. With moderate growth, requiring no pruning, this variety with its unusual charm is particularly suitable for small gardens. Plant it in ordinary soil, in any exposure.

Originally from the Caucasus, widely spread in Europe from Scandinavia to Spain and eastwards to Russia, Acer platanoides is a large deciduous tree with rapid growth often associated with oak, lime, and elm. It can live up to 200 years. All maples belong to the Aceraceae family.

The Globe Norway Maple was selected in Belgium in 1873. Often grafted onto the Acer platanoides type, the single-stemmed tree forms a typically rounded crown in its first years. It then spreads further, becoming globular and flattened. At maturity, this maple will reach about 8 m (26.2 ft) in height with a spread of 6 m (19.7 ft). When the leaves first emerge, they are slightly tinged with reddish-brown, then quickly turn dark green. In autumn, they become intensely yellow, sometimes tinged with red. The deciduous leaves are opposite and palmate. Measuring 10 cm to 20 cm (3.9 in to 7.9 in) long, they have 5 very sharp, dentate lobes, similar to plane tree leaves. Carried by long petioles, they are glabrous and have a shiny texture. The discreet flowering, in the form of upright corymbs, brings together tiny yellow-green flowers and occurs before the leaves emerge, in March, on subjects aged 15 to 20 years. It is followed, in June, by winged fruits, called samaras, measuring 3 cm to 5 cm (1.2 in to 2 in) in length. The bark covering the trunk is dark grey, almost smooth,and is marked with numerous shallow longitudinal cracks. The bark covering the branches is brown.

Acer platanoides 'Globosum' is a very easy-to-grow, undemanding tree. It is magnificent when isolated in the middle of a small garden or near a terrace, for example. It can also be used as a street tree to border large avenues. Ground cover perennials such as heucheras, tiarellas, stachys, or bergenias can be planted at its base. 

Tip: Prune every 3 to 5 years to balance the branches and maintain its habit.