Deborah Norway Maple

‘Deborah’ is a large Norway maple selected for leaves that emerge reddish-maroon, mature to dark bronzy green, and turn orange-yellow in fall. Its upright, broadly oval crown and seasonal color suit parks and other open landscapes. ## Cultivar and seasonal interest Oregon State University records ‘Deborah’ as a 1967 selection from a seedling of ‘Schwedleri’, introduced by Cannor Nursery around 1975; Trees and Shrubs Online also describes the seedling origin and upright form. The cultivar received U.S. Plant Patent PP4944 on November 16, 1982 ([patent record](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP4944)). Its foliage opens red to maroon, becomes dark green or bronzy green, and turns yellow, orange, or bronzy in autumn. The [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/87341/acer-platanoides-deborah/details) describes small yellow spring flowers; Oregon State University documents early-spring flowers. ## Siting and size [Oregon State University](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/acer-platanoides-deborah) reports about 45 ft tall by 40 ft wide, while the RHS lists an ultimate height of 25 m and spread wider than 8 m. Allow room for the larger reported canopy. Grow in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soil. In Minnesota, Norway maple cultivars are specially regulated; seedlings should be controlled and plantings kept away from natural areas ([Minnesota DNR](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/norwaymaple.html)). ## Maintenance Water during establishment and keep the soil moist without persistent waterlogging. The RHS recommends pruning only from late autumn to midwinter. Preserve the crown’s natural outline and remove damaged branches when needed.