Norway Maple

Common Name: Norway maple
Scientific Name: Acer platanoides
Origin: Europe

Description

Norway maples are deciduous trees that can grow to 90 ft. at maturity. Its leaves are opposite and palmate lobed, with 5-7 lobes on each leaf. The veins of the leaves and the leaf petiole will produce a white milky latex when broken. The samaras of the norway maple spread out at a much broader angle than those of native maples.

Habitat

Norway maples are very frequently used as urban trees, for streets and landscaping, and have now invaded deciduous forests in the northeastern and northwestern United States.

Threat

Norway maples produce large numbers of seeds which can be widely dispersed due to their winged samaras. Norway maples grow faster than native sugar maples, and compete for the same habitats. Norway maples produce a denser canopy and broader, shallower roots as well. This leads to less wildflower diversity and seedling suppression below norway maples than compared to native maples.

Management

Smaller saplings can be pulled. Larger norway maples can be cut and treated with herbicides, basal bark treatments, or they can be girdled. Girdling is most effective in the spring. Trees will re-sprout if herbicide is not used.

Regional Distribution

Widespread

WNY PRISM Priority

Tier 4 – Local Control

Invasive Species Priorities – Tier Chart

Pathways 

Norway maple was introduced to the U.S. as an ornamental plant. It spreads through wind dispersed seed.

Norway maple is a regulated species in New York State – for more information on Prohibited and Regulated Species, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/99141.html.

Native Alternatives 

White oak (Quercus alba)

Black oak (Quercus velutina)

Common red maple (Acer rubrum)

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum)