Acer platanoides

Acer platanoides is a species of deciduous broadleaf flowering plants (in the Sapindaceae or Soapberry family), native to Europe and western Asia. Acer platanoides is a large deciduous tree, recognisable from its broad, dense crown and distinctive large leaves that have five lobes, each with sharp points, often more than one point per lobe. In spring, Acer platanoides produces clusters of small yellow-green flowers before the leaves fully emerge, followed by widely angled pairs of winged seeds (samaras). (The leaves of Acer saccharum have rounded points, only one per lobe, and its samaras are horseshoe-shaped; see this comparison. The lobes of Acer pseudoplatanus leaves have blunt points, and its samaras are angled at 90 degrees or less.)

Tolerance to pollution, compacted soils and shade make Acer platanoides a popular street and park tree. However, it can become invasive where its dense canopy and prolific seed production may outcompete native vegetation. Its wood is used for furniture, flooring and musical instruments, especially for violins.

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