Norway Maple
- Background Norway maple ( Acer platanoides) is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to approximately 40-60 feet in height. ...
- Origin Norway maples are native to Europe and Western Asia.
- Habitat Norway maples are found growing all over the United States in many diverse environments. ...
- Introduction and Spread ...
- Impacts ...
- Identification ...
- Prevention and Control ...
- Occurrences ...
What is the Norway maple used for?
The Norway maple is a common tree throughout much of Europe, including (not surprisingly) Norway. It is an important commercial species there just as sugar maple is here in North America. It is used for furniture, flooring and musical instruments. In fact, the Stradivarius violins are said to be made of Norway maple. Click to see full answer.
What does a Norway maple look like?
Norway maples have simple, green, and opposite leaves. Leaves of Norway maples usually are broader than they are high, about four to seven inches wide, with five prominent lobes. The bark of a Norway maple is grayish black and furrowed. This species tends to leaf out earlier in the spring than other maples and forms a broad-rounded crown.
How did the Norway maple get to America?
The Norway maple (Acer platanoides) is native to Europe. Its natural range stretches from western France in the east to central Russia in the west, and from southern Scandinavia to northern Turkey. It was first introduced to North America in 1756, when John Bartram of Philadelphia imported trees for sale as ornamental landscaping plants.
Where is the Norway maple originally from?
The Norway maple is indigenous to Europe where it usually occurs as an understory tree. It was introduced to this country by known other than John Bartram, the 18th c. naturalist and botanist, and soon was planted in farms and towns because of its shade and its ability to grow in adverse conditions such as compacted and poor soil.
Where are Norway maples found in the US?
Norway Maples will be found in the United States anywhere from the border of Canada south to the Carolinas in early or late succession forests, wetlands, yards or gardens, or in disturbed open areas and roadsides.
Where do Norway maple trees grow?
Native to much of Europe, from Norway to the Caucasus region as well as western Asia, the Norway maple is now found throughout the northeast United States and the pacific northwest.
Are Norway maples invasive in North America?
Norway maple has been reported to be invasive throughout the northeastern U.S. from Maine to Wisconsin, south to Tennessee and Virginia and also in the Pacific Northwest. Over time, as reforestation occurred across the Northeast, Norway maple joined native tree species as a component of eastern forest ecosystems.
Is a Norway maple a threat?
Ecological Threat Norway maples form monocultures by displacing native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous understory plants in forested landscapes. Once established, it creates a canopy of dense shade that prevents regeneration of native seedlings.
Can I tap a Norway maple?
Yes, You CAN Tap a Norway Maple for Maple Syrup.
Is a Norway maple a good tree?
Redeeming Features. Norway maples are arguably among the most beautiful variety of maple tree currently in North America with rich yellow leaves in the fall under optimal conditions and lovely yellow flowers on leafless branches in the spring.
Should I remove Norway maple?
A shade tree that could be removed is Norway maple. Its seeds fall onto the forest floor and dominate. Then the slower-maturing, more desirable species listed above can't get a foothold. With that said, if a cultivated Norway maple is planted on your property and is doing well, don't cut it down.
What is the difference between a sugar maple and a Norway maple?
Norway maple terminal buds are large, rounded, and blunt, with only 2–3 pairs of scales; sugar maple has long, sharply pointed buds with many scales. Bark of mature Norway maples has tight, furrowed grooves, similar to our native ash, while sugar maple bark is both flattish and smooth when young or platy when older.
Do Norway maples poison soil?
It is very shade tolerate and is often found spreading into disturbed forest communities near urban areas. Norway maple has a dense, shallow root system, which releases poisonous chemicals into the soil that kill other plants.
How long will a Norway maple live?
Norway maple is a medium to large-sized canopy- forming deciduous tree. In its native range, and under ideal growing conditions (e.g. mesic deciduous forests), it can live between 100 – 150 years, and rarely up to 200 years. In urban areas, street or boulevard trees live up to 80 years.
What is Norway maple used for?
The Norway maple is a common tree throughout much of Europe, including (not surprisingly) Norway. It is an important commercial species there just as sugar maple is here in North America. It is used for furniture, flooring and musical instruments. In fact, the Stradivarius violins are said to be made of Norway maple.
Do Norway maples have helicopters?
Norway maples have samaras, helicopter seeds, that are each about 2 inches long with two papery wings, as described by Iowa State University's Natural Resource Stewardship.
When did the Norway maple get to America?
about 1756The Norway maple, Acer platanoldes, was introduced into the United States about 1756 after being cultivated in England since 1683. This species remained in relative obscurity in the U.S. until the mid- to late-1800's, but is now one of the most popular urban trees.
How do I identify a Norway maple?
Norway maple terminal buds are large, rounded, and blunt, with only 2–3 pairs of scales; sugar maple has long, sharply pointed buds with many scales. Bark of mature Norway maples has tight, furrowed grooves, similar to our native ash, while sugar maple bark is both flattish and smooth when young or platy when older.
How did the Norway maple get to Canada?
In Canada, Norway maple was planted widely in cities and towns after World War II as a reliable and rapidly growing replacement for white elms (Ulmus americana) when they were largely eliminated as an urban street tree by Dutch elm disease.
How tall does Norway Maple grow?
Norway maple is known for its tolerance of urban conditions, but it often becomes a weedy plant through self-seeding. Norway maple will grow to 40-50 feet tall and 35-50 feet wide. It is native to Europe. The bark is gray and fairly tightly ridged and furrowed.
How big does Norway Maple get?
Norway maple will grow to 40-50 feet tall and 35-50 feet wide. It is native to Europe. The bark is gray and fairly tightly ridged and furrowed. Norway maple has simple leaves in pairs (opposite) that are three to six inches long. Leaves are slightly broader than those of sugar maple.
How long are Norway maple leaves?
Norway maple has simple leaves in pairs (opposite) that are three to six inches long. Leaves are slightly broader than those of sugar maple. The five lobed leaves are dark green in summer. Fall color can range from yellow-green to yellow. Small, pale yellow flowers appear in upright, rounded clusters.
What color are the flowers on a sage tree?
Small, pale yellow flowers appear in upright, rounded clusters. Although inconspicuous by themselves, they are very showy when the whole tree is in flower.
Is Norway Maple a weed?
Norway maple is adapted to a wide range of soils and environments and is pollution tolerant. Norway maple is prone to girdling root and tends to self sow and become weedy. Verticillium wilt is a potential serious problem. Anthracnose is a common leaf disease.
How to control Norway maple?
Physical control: Seedlings are easily hand-pulled from moist soil; larger saplings can be dug or pulled using equipment. Cutting or mowing may be effective. Although Norway maple can resprout from cut stumps, it seems to do so less aggressively than many invasive trees and shrubs. The incidence of regrowth also seems to depend on age, with mature trees regrowing less readily after felling than seedlings and saplings (Munger 2003). Mature trees can also be girdled in early summer by removing a four inch strip of bark and cambium from the whole circumference of the trunk. All cut and girdled trees should be monitored for regrowth and treated with herbicide if needed.
What is the WIGL?
The Woody Invasives of the Great Lakes (WIGL) Collaborative brings interested partners together to consolidate information on woody invasive plant species. The WIGL Collaborative is coordinated by the Midwest Invasive Plant Network.
How is Norway maple distributed?
Norway maple seed is distributed by wind. Research has shown that the normal maximum range of Norway maple seed travel is 165 feet from the parent (Matlack 1987). This is a relatively low dispersal distance compared to species whose seeds are bird or wildlife dispersed. Through movement of seed from successive generations, Norway maple can eventually invade interior areas.
What is Norway maple?
Look-alikes: Of the native maples, Norway maple is most similar in appearance to sugar maple (A. saccharum). Norway maple can be distinguished from sugar maple by the milky white sap that appears at the base of leaf stems when leaves are pulled from twigs. Native maple species have clear sap. The samaras of Norway maple are somewhat larger ...
Which maple species have clear sap?
Native maple species have clear sap. The samaras of Norway maple are somewhat larger than those of native species, and the angle between the two halves is wider.
Where is Norway Maple most prevalent?
It is most prevalent at disturbed sites such as abandoned residential, commercial and agricultural land, and highly fragmented and otherwise disturbed forests. However, studies have shown that Norway maple seedlings can establish and dominate in high-quality forest interiors (Webster et al. 2005).
Do Norway maples produce less seed?
Research conducted at Penn State University indicates that certain Norway maple cultivars produce significantly less seed than the species and other seedy cultivars (Conklin and Sellmer 2009). Some limitations of the study are that only six cultivars were evaluated (of over 20 cultivars readily in trade), and that the observation period was three years, which is relatively short compared to the total reproductive life of a tree. Population modeling indicates that for long-lived species, such as trees and shrubs, even relatively low seed producing types can contribute to invasive populations (Knight et al. 2011).
How tall is Norway Maple?
Description: Norway maple, a deciduous tree, reaches a height of 40-50 feet, occasionally exceeding 90 feet. The leaves-are dark green, simple, opposite, 4″-7″ wide with 5 lobes. The mature tree has a rounded crown of dense foliage and the bark is grayish-black and furrowed. Norway maple is distinguished from other maples by the milky fluid that oozes from freshly broken leaf petioles (stems). The tree leafs out and produces seeds earlier than other maples. Its normal fall foliage is pale yellow; however, there is a popular cultivar known as “Crimson King” which has deep? reddish purple fall foliage.
Why is Norway maple a problem?
Why is it a problem? Individual trees produce large numbers of seeds that are wind dispersed and invade forests and forest edges. The dense canopy formed by Norway maple inhibits the regeneration of sugar maple and other tree seedlings, reducing forest diversity. Also, since Norway maple has shallow roots, it competes with other plants in the landscape, including grasses, and can cause damage to pavement in urban settings.
What is the color of Acer rubrum?
Acer rubrum (Red Maple) has red fall color and is a good wildlife food source.
Where did Norway maples originate?
Origin: Norway maples are native to Europe, from Norway southward. Populations in the United States have either escaped from cultivation or originated m individual trees used as ornamental specimens.
How long do cotyledons grow?
Seeds germinate in spring on the surface of the ground and spread their cotyledons; true leaves are grown around 3 weeks after germination.#N#Seedlings are vulnerable to temperature extremes; sufficient cold can kill the young leaves, although the cotyledons are slightly more cold-tolerant than leaves. Snow may protect seedlings from cold damage.#N#Seedlings are highly shade-tolerant and will grow even in low light conditions. Seedlings in shade grow slowly and persist for years, until taking advantage of a gap.#N#Age of first seed production is variable; seeds may be produced as young as 10 years but this may be much later in shade-suppressed trees. Seed production tends to peak between 20 and 60 years of age. Some seeds are produced every year, but bumper crops may occur at 2-3 year intervals. Flowering occurs in the spring, around when the tree is leafing out, and flowers are insect-pollinated. The seeds mature slowly and are not distributed until fall; they are enclosed in a samara and are wind-dispersed. The samara is wider and flatter than most other maples.#N#Germination is enhanced by soil disturbance, and inhibited somewhat by deep litter, but contact with mineral soil is not required.#N#In their native range, trees typically live to an age of about 150 years, possibly as long as 250; max lifespan in the wild in North America is not well-known but may be dramatically shorter.#N#Plants that are top-killed will resprout vigorously.
How long do seedlings grow in shade?
Seedlings in shade grow slowly and persist for years, until taking advantage of a gap. Age of first seed production is variable; seeds may be produced as young as 10 years but this may be much later in shade-suppressed trees. Seed production tends to peak between 20 and 60 years of age.
How long do trees live?
In their native range, trees typically live to an age of about 150 years, possibly as long as 250; max lifespan in the wild in North America is not well-known but may be dramatically shorter. Plants that are top-killed will resprout vigorously.
What is wood used for?
The wood is generally workable but tends to burn when machined with high-speed tools. Common uses include veneer, pulpwood for paper, boxes, crates and pallets, turned objects, and musical instruments. Some of the famous Stradivarius violins are thought to have been made from this wood.
Do maple trees eat insects?
Although native maples ( Acer sp.) support a variety of insects, and this species supports many insects in its native range, in North America it is eaten by few insects. It likely has unique defenses that make it harder for native insects specializing on maples to consume, such as the milky sap, a feature native maples lack.#N#The introduced Norway Maple aphid ( Periphyllus lyropictus) is a specialist on this species, and it has been found in the U.S., both in the area around New York City, and in the northwest. The introduced Asian longhorn beetle ( Anoplophora glabripennis) has been found eating this tree, among numerous other species; it has been widely introduced in North America but is viewed as invasive and has been intentionally eradicated from some areas.#N#The flowers are pollinated by both native and non-native bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, and Andrenid bees.
When do bumper crops grow?
Some seeds are produced every year, but bumper crops may occur at 2-3 year intervals. Flowering occurs in the spring, around when the tree is leafing out, and flowers are insect-pollinated. The seeds mature slowly and are not distributed until fall; they are enclosed in a samara and are wind-dispersed.
Where do sage trees grow?
A shade-tolerant tree native to Europe and Western Asia. Widely used as a landscape plant, and has become invasive in North America in the mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest.
Why is Norway Maple used as a shade tree?
During the 1930s and 1940s when the streets of many cities lost their shade trees to Dutch Elm disease, Norway Maple was widely used as a replacement because of its fast growth and deep shade. Norway Maples continue to be sold throughout the country as ornamental shade trees.
What is the difference between Norway maple and red maple?
Both the red and sugar maples are alternative choices to the Norway maple. Both reach a similar height of 50 to 70 feet as the Norway maple. They are native, hardy, and have attractive seasonal foliage. The red maple (Acer rubrum) has red spring color when in bloom, and yellow to red leaves in fall.
What maple tree has red leaves?
The red maple (Acer rubrum) has red spring color when in bloom, and yellow to red leaves in fall. Most know the attractive leaves of Vermont’s state tree, the sugar maple (Acer saccharum). The red maple tolerates wet soils better than the sugar maple, but is not as drought tolerant.
Why is it so frustrating to regurgitate things?
It is incredibly frustrating because there are many other great choices, but people keep regurgitating things without knowing how bad these invasive species really are.
What is the bizarre province of the one most over-populous species?
Wishing selective life forms dead is the bizarre province of the one most over-populous species: humans. Get a grip.
Can you grow Norway Maples in North America?
Keep your Norways if you like BUT PLEASE DON'T PLANT MORE! They don't belong in North America! We have 2 full grown Norway Maples and they'd filled our small wooded area with more Norways prior to us moving in. The diversity was awful. 15 years later we're still trying to keep them at bay and we need to protect the native trees we've planted from being overrun by them. The big 50 year+ old suckers in the front yard are still here though and we deal with too much shade, roots sticking way out of the dirt so you can't mow what does grow underneath, and Norway maple seedlings ev.erywhere.
What to ask yourself when you step back from trees you grew up with?
If you step back from trees you grew up with, or what you planted and watch grow, you have to ask yourself: how are the trees I choose to plant affecting my local ecosystem?
What kind of maple tree does Solomon's seal grow under?
Solomon’s seal ( Polygonatum) and False Solomon’s Seal ( Maianthemum) both do well under the Norway Maple and provide a medium height.
What color are Heuchera leaves?
I think it is especially beautiful after a rain when droplets are captured on the broad leaves. Heuchera isn’t just crimson red, you know.
How far from the trunk is Norway Maple?
Norway Maple trees are the trees nobody wants, for good reasons. That root is 26’ from the trunk. Just below the soil surface from here to there is covered in a dense mat of fine roots. Norway Maples on the MA list of species prohibited from sale or propagation, but they reproduce on their own in such great numbers that ...
How long has Bowman's Root survived?
Bowman’s Root ( Gillenia trifoliata) is a taller perennial which, like everything on this list, dies back to the ground each winter. They’ve survived two years so far, so I probably shouldn’t add it to the list yet, but here we are.
Why do plants die down to the soil surface each winter?
Also due to the roots, the soil is nutrient deficient, so plants must be able to handle that, Die down to the soil surface each winter, While we’re fine watering to help plants establish, we have zero interest in long-term irrigation or amending the soil here with anything other than mulch (typically shredded leaves).
What bulbs come back year after year?
Many bulbs will do well and come back year after year. Crocus, tulip (survives but prefers more sun), daffodils, and hyacinth, to name a few. I don’t think I’d try allium there, unfortunately. Canadian Wild Ginger ( Asarum canadense) is something that survives, but it certainly doesn’t thrive under the Norway Maple.
Where does Lady's Mantle grow?
Lady’s Mantle grows well near Norway Maple trees. In this instance, the maple is a street tree, so there is limited ability to do much about it. The tree does provide the home with pleasant shade and, of course, trees are good.
