[Skip to main content](#main-content) ![](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/species/erable-a-feuilles-d-obier1.jpg?d=128x128)Italian maple: Uses and characteristics ======================================= The **Italian maple**, a resilient and versatile Mediterranean tree, adapts well to chalky soils and dry climates, improves the fertility of forest soils and symbolises perseverance, balance and protection. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ### Italian maple The **Italian maple** (*Acer opalus*), native to southern Europe and western Asia, is a tree that has become established mainly in Mediterranean regions and certain mountainous areas of central Europe. Its presence has been attested for thousands of years, having survived the climatic variations at the end of the Ice Age and adapted to the more temperate conditions that followed. Used historically for its wood and sometimes planted around villages, this maple has distinguished itself by its resistance to limestone soils and relatively dry climates, which has enabled it to persist in a variety of environments. Today, it remains a valuable species in the European forest ecosystem, although it is less common than other maples, such as the [sycamore maple](/en/species/32). [ Become a Tree Owner ](https://ecotree.green/en/treeshop) ### Why does EcoTree plant Italian maples? The **Italian maple** is relatively resistant to drought conditions, which is an advantage **in the face of current climate change**. It tolerates both calcareous and more basic soils, making it a versatile tree for various types of woodland. This maple is known to produce rich, well-decomposable leaf litter, which **improves soil quality**. Leaf decomposition provides essential nutrients (such as calcium) and increases soil fertility, making it easier for other plants to grow. ### Italian maple - Overview ### Italian maple - Overview The**Italian maple** is a medium-sized tree, growing to between 10 and 20 metres in height. Its bark is greyish and smooth in young trees, but gradually becomes more fissured and rough with age. This gives it a slightly scaly texture that adds character to its trunk as it ages. Its leaves are one of its most distinctive features. They are broad and palmate, resembling the **leaves of the obier** and measure between 5 and 15 centimetres across. They have 3 to 5 shallow lobes and are shiny dark green on top, with a paler underside. In autumn, they turn a beautiful shade of yellow to orange, adding a splash of colour to the forest. After flowering, the tree produces **samaras**, the dried fruit typical of maples, consisting of two V-shaped wings. These samaras, which are slightly smaller than those of the[sycamore maple](/en/species/32), make it easier for the wind to disperse the seeds. Read moreRead less ![Italian maple](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/species/erable-a-feuilles-d-obier2.jpg?d=128x128) ### Italian maple - Species requirements *Acer opalus* prefers **calcareous soils**, well drained and rich in organic matter. It also tolerates dry, stony soils, making it suitable for poorer sites where other trees would have difficulty establishing themselves. In mixed forests, it can tolerate some shade when young, but sufficient sunlight encourages better growth and more intense autumn colouring. The**Italian maple** is well adapted to the **Mediterranean climate** and can withstand summer heat and drought, making it a good choice for areas with limited summer rainfall. ### Italian maple's wood The wood of the **Italian maple** is generally light in colour, ranging from beige to pale brown. This wood retains a light colour even with age, which is appreciated in certain decorative applications. Although the **Italian maple** is less widely used than other maple species such as the [sycamore maple](/en/species/32), its wood is prized for making **small craft and decorative objects**, such as sculptures, kitchen utensils and musical instruments. Because of its hardness and fine finish, it is sometimes used for **parquet flooring**, although it is less common in this application. ### Italian maple's symbolism In Mediterranean cultures, its ability to grow in rocky soils and demanding environments makes it symbolic of **tenacity** and **perseverance**. Like all maples, it embodies **balance** and **harmony**. Its symmetrically lobed leaves recall the qualities of proportion and natural beauty, underlining the importance of balance in life and nature. In the language of trees, the maple, in general, is often associated with qualities of **protection** and **support**. Maples have been planted around certain homes to ward off negative energies and offer protection. ### Our selection of trees Our goal is to enable anyone to do something that benefits nature and helps us to live in a more harmonious world. So why not become a tree owner in a European forest and help combat climate change? ![](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/06/54dda35d4d33d4cc8e839376406f33bcc677a367.jpg?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) Expires in: 1 Limited [See details](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7952) [Pedunculate Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7952) €9 Age: 0 to 2 years old Laneuville forest Meuse, Grand Est, France Quantity Add to cart ![](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/99f0c3747cd1587f87c79a7dae7db5a92d352825.jpg?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) Expires in: 1 Limited [See details](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7884) [Italian maple](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7884) €9 Age: 0 to 2 years old Laneuville forest Meuse, Grand Est, France Quantity Add to cart ![](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/46af19fc6573ee76c49754ddc2f75d7cb6e82766.png?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) Only 7 left! New forest [See details](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7625) [Douglas fir](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7625) €19 Age: 0 to 2 years old Priziac forest Morbihan, Brittany, France Quantity Add to cart Please note that this is promotional communication. See our [notice of information](https://ecotree.green/en/notice-of-information). [ See our trees ](https://ecotree.green/en/treeshop) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Steven has started a [subscription of 1 tree in France](/en/grow-your-own-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Nicole has started a [subscription of 1 tree in Denmark](/en/grow-your-own-danish-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Cara has started a [subscription of 1 tree in France](/en/grow-your-own-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Kirsten True has started a [subscription of 1 tree in Denmark](/en/grow-your-own-danish-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Florian has started a [subscription of 1 tree in France](/en/grow-your-own-forests) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/99f0c3747cd1587f87c79a7dae7db5a92d352825.jpg?d=70x70)Robert purchased [2 Italian maples](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7884) from Laneuville forest (Meuse, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/03/738ec0d3eb00819acddd92919cb2bb44c1f43553.jpeg?d=70x70)Foziana gave away [1 Chestnut](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7623) from Priziac forest (Morbihan, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/371965866dca3bba57b5231a406981a2324454a4.png?d=70x70)Amy gave away [1 Red Cedar](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7604) from Priziac forest (Morbihan, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/371965866dca3bba57b5231a406981a2324454a4.png?d=70x70)Amy gave away [1 Red Cedar](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7604) from Priziac forest (Morbihan, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/03/738ec0d3eb00819acddd92919cb2bb44c1f43553.jpeg?d=70x70)Nathalie gave away [1 Chestnut](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7623) from Priziac forest (Morbihan, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/5de8c88b12150017645bfb8b22f967aca939250f.png?d=70x70)Yannick purchased [3 Sessile Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7449) from Laneuville forest (Meuse, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/hero/0001/06/77bf71ca9c6ce899d41551b1353e2df049fc54c0.jpg?d=70x70)Yannick helped preserve 8.01 m² of the [m2 of biodiversity in Thisted forest ](https://ecotree.green/en/article/3576) project in Thisted Forest (Nordjylland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/5de8c88b12150017645bfb8b22f967aca939250f.png?d=70x70)Gert purchased [1 Sessile Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7449) from Laneuville forest (Meuse, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/03/32203a7f32688057f0dfc54b3c3cdac051c98200.jpeg?d=70x70)Steven purchased [9 Vancouver firs](https://ecotree.green/en/article/8038) from The Old Gravel Forest in Nysum (Nordjylland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/pack/0001/05/025e16b1084fc6e6b96429cb736f094c8a626452.png?d=70x70)Tom gave away [1 Small Danish forest bundle bundle](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7698) from The Old Gravel Forest in Nysum (Nordjylland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/371965866dca3bba57b5231a406981a2324454a4.png?d=70x70)Jonas purchased [3 Red Cedars](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7604) from Priziac forest (Morbihan, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/46af19fc6573ee76c49754ddc2f75d7cb6e82766.png?d=70x70)David purchased [1 Douglas fir](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7625) from Priziac forest (Morbihan, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/a8aaa055381b5cb648d4614f7cc6a7928c32604e.png?d=70x70)Pierre gave away [3 Sessile Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/4634) from Orø-Margrete forest 2 (Sjælland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/03/32203a7f32688057f0dfc54b3c3cdac051c98200.jpeg?d=70x70)Simon purchased [1 Vancouver fir](https://ecotree.green/en/article/8038) from The Old Gravel Forest in Nysum (Nordjylland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/5de8c88b12150017645bfb8b22f967aca939250f.png?d=70x70)RAPHAEL purchased [10 Sessile Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7449) from Laneuville forest (Meuse, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/46af19fc6573ee76c49754ddc2f75d7cb6e82766.png?d=70x70)Matteo purchased [1 Douglas fir](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7625) from Priziac forest (Morbihan, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/03/32203a7f32688057f0dfc54b3c3cdac051c98200.jpeg?d=70x70)Simon purchased [1 Vancouver fir](https://ecotree.green/en/article/8038) from The Old Gravel Forest in Nysum (Nordjylland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/46af19fc6573ee76c49754ddc2f75d7cb6e82766.png?d=70x70)Ling gave away [1 Douglas fir](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7625) from Priziac forest (Morbihan, FR) ### Added. 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