Field Reference · Central Europe
A comparative guide to Acer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus and Acer campestre — covering leaf morphology, samara structure and bark characteristics for field identification in deciduous and mixed forest zones.
Norway maple, sycamore and field maple each occupy distinct niches in the Polish forest landscape, from lowland river valleys to mountain foothills.
Detailed morphological descriptions of lobe patterns, petiole features, samara wing angles and seed dimensions for reliable field determination.
Distribution patterns across Polish voivodeships, typical co-occurring species and phenological markers that aid seasonal identification.
Species Overview
All three species belong to the genus Acer within the family Sapindaceae. Their ranges overlap extensively across Poland, making morphological precision necessary for accurate identification.
The most widespread maple in Poland. Recognised by its five-lobed leaves with sharply pointed sinuses that exude milky sap when broken, and by its paired samaras spreading nearly horizontally.
Predominant in upland and montane forests of southern Poland. Five-lobed leaves with blunt sinuses and dull grey-green undersides; samaras form a compact, nearly right-angle pair.
The smallest of the three, frequent in forest margins and hedgerows of central and eastern Poland. Recognisable by its rounded five-lobed leaves with milky sap and corky winged twigs.
Quick Reference
Key morphological characters for distinguishing the three species in the field during the growing season.
| Character | A. platanoides | A. pseudoplatanus | A. campestre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lobe number | 5 (sometimes 7) | 5 | 5 |
| Sinus depth | Deep, sharply cut | Moderate, obtuse | Shallow, rounded |
| Leaf sap | Milky (petiole) | Clear | Milky (petiole) |
| Underside colour | Pale green, glabrous | Glaucous grey-green | Pale, finely hairy |
| Leaf size (typical) | 10–18 cm wide | 10–16 cm wide | 4–10 cm wide |
| Autumn colour | Yellow to orange | Yellow, rarely red | Yellow, sometimes russet |
Articles
Structured reference materials covering leaves, seeds and bark characteristics for each species encountered in Polish forests.
A side-by-side comparison of lobe geometry, sinus depth and petiole characteristics enabling reliable distinction in the field.
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Wing angle, mericarp dimensions and dispersal distances as identification and ecological markers for field researchers.
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Bark texture, branching patterns and preferred forest types across the Carpathian foothills, Sudeten range and lowland zones.
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