Acer platanoides
Norway Maple
- Site: very shade tolerant, although it prefers full sun; withstands hot/dry conditions and tolerates ozone and sulfur dioxide air pollution. It is adapted to extremes in soils (sand, clay, acid, calcareous) and hardy to USDA Zone 4.
- Plant community: Norway maples have been found in woodlands near cities, especially in the northeastern U.S. It has escaped cultivation and invades forests, fields, and other natural habitats.
- Invasive traits: They produce a large quantity of seeds that can germinate rapidly and crowd out native species. The species can be locally dominant in forest stands, create dense shade (it has huge leaf size), and displace native trees, shrubs and herbs. Its dense canopy also can shade out native wildflowers. Also, since Norway maple has shallow roots, it competes with other plants in the landscape, including grasses, and can cause damage to pavement in urban settings.
- Other: This tree was found growing everywhere in the park. The younger the maple tree, the bigger the leaf.