About this tree
This cultivated variety of the Norway maple is distinguished by its ornamental foliage, with broad green leaves edged in creamy white. The “Drummondii” was selected for its striking variegation and moderate size. It typically reaches 10–15 m in height. It forms a dense, rounded crown and is widely used as a decorative shade tree in urban and garden settings. The tree produces yellow-green flower clusters in early spring that attract early pollinators. The foliage, though beautiful, can be sensitive to scorch in full sun or during dry conditions, and so it is increasingly sensitive to the longer and ever hotter summers that Europe is experiencing. For this reason, the Drummondii maple is expected to become an increasingly rare sight. While it supports less wildlife than native maples, it still provides shelter for birds and small mammals. The samaras (helicopter seeds), are a foodstuff for squirrels and a classic autumnal plaything for children. Its high visual impact, particularly when contrasted against darker background plants, has made Drummondii Norway maple a popular addition to ornamental landscapes.