Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)
Key Identification Features
Description
Norway Maple is a very popular lawn tree and is widely distributed in North America. It has become an invasive, as it moves easily into forest habitats. The tree has a broad, rounded crown and can reach between 40 and 60 feet tall. The simple, opposite leaves are green in the summer and change to yellow in the fall. They have 5 prominent lobes and are more wide than they are long, usually between 4 and 7 inches wide. Norway Maple has a greyish, furrowed bark. Tiny, yellowish green flower clusters are produced from April to May. The seeds are held in green seed pods with helicopter-like blades.
Native Range
Norway Maple is native to Europe and western Asia. It became prominent in the U.S. as an ornamental lawn addition. Individual seeds also easily escaped cultivation.
Habitat and Dispersion
This invasive tree is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, which is why it is so successful in its invaded habitats. Norway Maples can tolerate extreme soil conditions, and are therefore found in forests, wetlands, edge habitats, disturbed areas, lawns and almost anywhere else. It is common to see this tree in urban environments, as it can tolerate polluted areas better than native alternatives. They prefer full sun, but can grow in shady areas, too. Seeds germinate quickly and are spread via wind thanks to the winged seed pods.
Best Management Practices
The best way to manage the spread of this tree is to avoid intentional plantings by choosing native alternatives. To eliminate new populations, manual removal of young trees is a good option. Seedlings can be hand pulled, and saplings can be cut down before they get too large. Mature trees can also be manually managed through cutting them down. If the stump remains, it must be monitored for future growth.