BioBullies
Impacts: Norway maple
grows quickly and can out
-compete most native
species. It can block
sunlight from plants and
establish a root system
that makes it hard for
other plants to grow. This
large tree also has a
shallow root system that
makes it a target for
strong weather.
Suspected Means of
Introduction: Norway
maple was introduced in
1776 as an ornamental in
Philadelphia’s gardens. It
became popular because
of its fast growing
qualities and ability to
shade large areas.
Norway maple was also
used to replace
street-side elm trees after
they died off.
Norway
Maple
Acer platanoides
Description: Norway maple is a deciduous tree that grows up to 90
feet tall. The leaves are dark green, 5 lobed, and palmate (or
hand-shaped). Leaves are generally broader than long, opposite along
the stem, and, when broken of, show a white, milky sap. The flowers
are bright yellow-green and bloom in spring. During the summer, the
fruits mature into winged “samaras,” which look like helicopter blades
with a seed in the center.
BioBullies
Native Range:
Europe and Western
Asia
Norway Maple
Acer plataniodes
Resources for
Identification and
Control of Norway
Maple
Plant Invaders of
Mid-Atlantic Natural
Areas – National Park
Service and U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service
Weed of the Week - USDA
Forest Service
Plant Profile Database USDA
Invasive.org
University of GA, US Forest
Service, USDA APHIS
PA Field Guide - Common
Invasive Plants in Riparian
Areas
Habitat: Although they prefer full
sunlight and can withstand hot, dry
conditions, Norway maples are
very tolerant to different types of
climates and soils, including sand,
clay, acid, and calcareous.
They can also tolerate ozone and
sulfur dioxide air pollution. Trees
can grow in already-established
deciduous forest areas and are
also able to adapt in wetlands,
open disturbed areas, roadsides,
vacant lots, yards, and gardens.
Biology: Norway maples
reproduce in two ways. They can
expand locally through vegetative
reproduction from the root of the
Natural Biodiversity
www.naturalbiodiversity.org
parent tree. Trees also reproduce
from the seeds encased in the
samaras, which are dropped near
or drift away from the parent plant
in the fall season.
Control Methods: One control
method is to pull young trees,
making sure to get the roots.
Larger trees that have been
established for a longer time can
be cut down. You may want to
use a chemical herbicide as a
stump treatment to insure there
will be no new growth. When
using herbicide, read the label
and follow all state and federal
requirements.
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