Acer Platanoides Princeton Gold Maple

Acer Platanoides Princeton Gold or Norway Maple Princeton Gold
Acer Platanoides Princeton Gold, a popular variety of Norway Maple, is a lovely ornamental tree. Prized for its gold-coloured foliage and stately habit, this cultivar is ideally suited to be grown as a focus of interest in the garden. Princeton Gold is a fast growing tree with a broadly columnar habit. 

Unlike most deciduous trees that boast bright foliage only in the autumn, the deeply-lobed leaves of this cultivar unfold pale golden, borne on red petioles. As the seasons progress, the hue of the foliage deepens to a sunny, warm yellow shade.  As with all Norway Maple cultivars, Acer Platanoides Princeton Gold produces yellow blossoms in the spring, followed by brownish winged helicopter seeds.

Undemanding and adaptable, Norway Maple Princeton Gold is easy to grow and to care for. This cultivar will thrive in any type of soil, as long as it moist and well-drained. Although this tree fares well in partial shade, it is recommended to choose a spot in full sun for growing it, to encourage the vibrant, bright yellow colour of the foliage.

Native to the USA, Acer Platanoides Princeton Gold was bred to withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees below zero. Fully hardy in the United Kingdom, this ornamental tree is not bothered by frost or strong, cold winds. Its exceptional hardiness, good performance in the garden and stunning appearance earned Norway Maple Princeton Gold the coveted Award of Garden Merit by Royal Horticultural Society.

With a broadly columnar habit, Princeton Gold has a naturally elegant form. Fast-growing and long-lived, it can achieve a height over 12 metres, with a spread over 8 metres. Keeping its attractive shape neat and tidy requires very little effort. Lightly prune in early spring, to avoid bleeding of the sap, and your tree will stay healthy and beautiful.

Acer Platanoides Princeton Gold is a great candidate for a shade tree or a specimen tree. Its vivid, yellow-golden foliage provides interest for the better part of the year, offering a bright burst of colour in the garden. The dense canopy that forms as the tree matures is not purely ornamental, as it can provide excellent shade during summer months. Plant it near a patio to fully appreciate all Norway Maple Princeton Gold has to offer.

You might also be interested in our full collection of deciduous trees, that includes numerous acer or maple varieties including Acer Campestre and cultivars, Acer Negundo and cultivars and a large choice of Japanese Acers.