Norway maple is approximately 10 to 20 metres tall, fast-growing and round-crowned tree species. It has a taupe stem and yellow flowers that bloom at the turn of May and June. The green leaves of Norway maple are three- or five-lobed. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow or orange. Its fruit is a schizocarp that has two wings and it can spread a long distance away.

Norway maple prefers nutrient-rich and calcareous soils and therefore occurs in mesic, dry and moist herb-rich forests. Its area of distribution covers Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and the southern parts of Fennoscandia.

The timber of Norway maple has versatile uses. Nowadays it is used in the manufacture of furniture and musical instruments, among others. At one time it was used to make tools and utensils. Norway maple sap is used to make maple syrup and its leaves are utilised in handicrafts. Norway maple is also a common tree in parks and yards.

Norway maple and other hardwood tree species are saved in forestry operations. As rare trees in Finnish forests, they are important for biodiversity providing habitats to many specialized species. Norway maples are often found in protected grove habitats.