Looking up into a Norway maple in full fall foliage. (Scott Robinson, 2003)

(Acer platanoides)

By Alec Buzzell

“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn”

                               - Ralph Waldo Emerson  

       Once considered a rare ornamental beauty, the Norway maple has recently changed in the eyes of American arborists to now be considered a hostile, invasive tree with ill intent towards the beloved native Sugar maple. The large shady area it was once planted for is now considered oppressive to the growth of smaller native plants and trees. Today the species is recognized as invasive in over 20 states in the Northeastern United States.

      Norway maples are in direct competition with their counterpart the New England Sugar maple. Often, the Norway maple is able to outgrow the Sugar maple. Many people’s worry is that a reduction of Sugar maples will impact the economic production of maple syrup and seasonal 'leaf peeping.'