Invasive Norway Maple

Sabrina Lynch

Professor Olson

143BIOL 32A

13 November 2014

        Invasive Norway Maple        

        There is a misconception with the name Norway Maple. Even though this plant species is called Norway Maple, it originates from eastern Europe and down to Caucasus (Cox 104). The Latin name is Acer platanoides. The translation of this name is Like Platanus. The leaves of the Norway Maple are fairly similar to the leaves of Sycamore and Planetree (Derickx et al. 49) On the contrary, the Norway Maple is not similar to these plants. The Norway Maple is a fast-growing maple that is dominant in many urban areas (Cox 104). However, this dominance has caused severe environmental impacts (Schrock 428). The main reason why this tree has not been eradicated is due to the huge amount of labor that exits with this process. Seedlings can be hand pulled, and mature trees cut down, but it often re-sprouts from the stump (Schrock 428). [pic 1]

Figure 1: “White’s Lane Nature Trail”

The Norway Maple can become 30 meters or 100 feet tall. This species is usually planted as a street and shade tree. This is due to its vigorous growth, tolerance of poor soil, compaction, and tolerance of pollution (Schrock 428). At a quick glance, Norway Maple shows similarities to a Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) (Derickx et al. 49). The differences between these two species reside along their leaf structures. The Norway Maple has wider leaves than the Sugar Maple. The Sugar Maple has longer leaves than the Norway Maple. The Norway Maple also has more lobes than the Sugar Maple. Additionally, there is an easier form of identification between two of these species (Cox 104). This identification consists of breaking off a leaf and searching for the characteristic of white sap. This white sap comes out of the leaf stalk.[pic 2]

Figure 2: “AMNH Digital Special Collections | Norway Maple”

The Norway Maple is prevalent in much of Europe. This prevalence ranges from Norway, Sweden, the Caucasus Mountains, Turkey, and Iran. John Bartram originally introduced this species into North America. John Bartram received seedlings from London back in 1756 (Derickx et al. 49). As soon as Dutch Elm disease occurred in North America, maples were wiped out in cities all across North America. The Norway Maple was often planted as a reliable and rapid growing replacement. Norway maples produce a large number of seeds (Cox 104). This is a typical characteristic of maples. These seeds usually mature in September and are spread by the wind. The species can germinate even in dense shade, and the seedlings grow quickly (Schrock 428). This plant was believed to be successful due to the plant’s ability to withstand city pollution as well.

        Norway Maples can out-compete other native trees. These species leaf out earlier, and the leaves have the ability to remain longer in the fall (Derickx et al. 49). Norway Maples create deep shade that makes it difficult for other plant species to grow (Schrock 428). Norway Maples absorb water throughout the soil until it becomes dry and insufficient (Hartman et al. 207). This sets up the path for soil erosion. Furthermore, it is nearly impossible to grow anything in the shade of a Norway maple.

Figure 3: “SueOCA” [pic 3]

There are a few control methods that can be used to regulate this invasive species. Smaller seedlings can be removed by hand. Saplings can be dug up (Hartman et al. 207). However, larger trees usually need to be felled by professionals. Once girdling or cutting has taken place, the tree must be treated to prevent re-sprouting. Removing a mature tree to prevent it being a seed source for nearby areas can be a tedious and expensive procedure (Hartman et al. 207).

The Norway Maple will continue to invade forests across the United States unless the spread is controlled (Hartman et al. 207). Seedlings are able to survive in deep shade for decades. If the invasion of the Norway Maple continues on, it is predicted that strong homogenizing of the Maples in forests across the United States will occur (Schrock 428). The continuous invasion may even lead to increased plant extinctions and losses of habitats for different species of animals.