Unique Features: The Norwegian Sunset maple is a hybrid of the Norway maple and the Shantung maple. Shantung maples are native to central Asia and have exceptional heat and drought tolerance, which is passed onto the ‘Sunset’ series of maples. The Sunsets can have leaves similar to a smaller version of the many pointed leaves of the Norway maples, or similar to the star shaped leaves of the Shantung. The Norwegian Sunset grows into a compact, upright oval shape suitable for smaller planting sites. It also has heavier branches and a more open growth habit, and is more adapted to high pH soils. The heat resistant leaves change later in fall than those of the Pacific Sunset. This maple has seeds.  Maples ‘wake up’ as early as February, and the winter watering should be increased at this time.