Acer platanoides
(Norway Maple)Acer platanoides (commonly known as the Norway Maple) is a fast growing, deciduous tree that ranges from 40-100 feet in size. Its leaves bloom in April and remain green until the autumn when they turn yellow. The leaves have the archtypical five lobed maple leaf shape. The seeds (also pictured below) ripen during September and are wind dispersed. Due to their wing shaped seed these seeds travel very far. Upon landing Bees germinate the seeds.
This perennial occurs naturally in continental Europe and the Caucasus region, from central France in the east into central Asia Minor and northern Iran in the west, and from southern Norway and Sweden to northern Spain, Italy, and the Balkans. This tree was brought to the Americas from Europe in 1756. It is commonly used to line streets or as an ornamental tree. Shown below is a map of distribution of the Norway maple in the United States of America. As you can see in the map it is mainly found in the Northeastern United States but also appears in Idaho and Washington.
The Norway maple has been classed as invasive because once the tree becomes established it dominates other tree species in the area. Since the Acer platanoides grows rapidly, has a high tolerance for drought pollution and poor soil conditions it is an ideal invader for areas where other plants cannot grow. Once established this tree creates a very large shade canopy and further restricts the growth of any plant underneath it.
Pictured respectively below are: the distribution, the fruit, the overall structure, autumn foliage, and the spring/summer foliage of the species Acer Platanoides. (click on these pictures to enlarge)
