Native to Europe, Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) was introduced North America because of its aesthetically pleasing landscaping look. Nowadays varieties of the Norway maple are typically planted in urban areas because of their perceived aesthetics, tolerance to stress and rapid growth.
How did the Norway maple get here?
Many Norway maples made their way from Europe to the United States by being transplanted as ornamental specimens or by having individual seeds escape cultivation. These trees produce ample amounts of winged seed which are dispersed readily in the wind and germinate quickly.
Is the Norway maple native to Canada?
The Norway Maple is an invasive tree that originates in Europe and western Asia. It was introduced to North America as an ornamental tree, and is now commonly planted as a street tree across Ontario. Norway Maple grows quicker than native maples and produces a dense canopy.
How does Norway maple spread?
Norway maple invades woodlands by out-competing sugar maple due to its shade tolerance. Wildflower diversity is reduced because it forms a dense canopy. Trees are spread by seed. Norway maple are often overlooked and confused with sugar maple.
Is Norway maple invasive Canada?
“Norway maple can be highly invasive with a potentially profound impact on forested habitats throughout southern Ontario and eastern North America. Where it has spread from nearby urban seed sources, many ravines, parks and natural areas exhibit nearly pure stands of this species.
What kills Norway maple?
If you want to know how to manage a Norway maple sapling, use pruning loppers to fell the young tree. Then apply an herbicide to the exposed stump. In an area where the trees have already spread into the wild, one method of Norway maple control is pruning out seed-bearing branches each year.
Should Norway maple be removed?
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.
Why is Norway maple tree invasive?
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.
Why was the Norway maple brought to America?
Norway maple was introduced for use as an ornamental landscape plant. Paul Wray, IA State Univ. John Bartram of Philadelphia first introduced Norway maple from England to the U.S. in 1756 and soon began offering it for sale.
Why is the Norway maple a threat?
Norway Maples have severe environmental impacts: They grow faster than native maples and other forest trees and its dense, shallow root system makes it difficult for native seedlings to get established. They create a dense shade, under which other species cannot survive, hence my naked garden beds.
What eats Norway maple?
Also, as mentioned, its seeds can be eaten by birds and small mammals. In lean acorn years, squirrels and porcupines might also strip away the bark to gnaw on the cambium layer (provided there are no sugar or red maples nearby, both of which provide a tastier and more copious sap).
What is the lifespan of a Norway maple?
The Norway maple has a typical lifespan of 150 years. It can grow to a maximum height of 60 feet and reach a diameter of 76 inches at eye level. The bark of a mature tree can be brown to grey, with folding or ridges developing over time.
When did the Norway maple get to America?
about 1756
The 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.
What is Canada’s most invasive plant?
Purple loosestrife is one of the most abundant invasive plant species found in Canada. Purple loosestrife is one of the most abundant invasive plant species found in Canada.
Is Norway maple toxic?
The European Norway maple has a similar leaf shape and often gets mistaken for the sugar maple. The difference is its leaves contain a toxic latex that harms insects and pollinators.
What damage does the Norway maple do?
Norway maple should be planted at least 100 yards from natural areas. The dense canopy of Norway maple limits the growth of sugar maple and other native tree seedlings, reducing forest diversity. Wildflower diversity is reduced beneath Norway maple because the dense canopy reduces light levels.
Can you burn Norway maple?
Different types of maple that can be used for firewood include red maple, sugar or hard maple, black maple, Norway maple, and silver maple.
Can you tap Norway maple?
Black, red and silver maples can be tapped to produce syrup as well, but the sugar content is lower and it will take more sap to make syrup. Box elders, a maple relative, are sometimes tapped for syrup. Maple sap from the Norway maple, a nonnative tree, is milky and can’t be made into syrup.
Can you tap a Norway maple for sugar?
If you have access to a Norway Maple, I highly recommend tapping it! It’s a great urban homesteading activity. Chances are your Norway Maple also has space for some nice crowning, making it a respectable sugar producer.
Can you grow grass under a Norway maple?
The dense canopy and the competition for water and nutrients make it difficult to grow grass under Norway maples. You have several options for improving the landscape. Spread a three inch layer of shredded bark or wood chips under the tree.
Why is the Norway maple important?
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.