Acer platanoides
Owner: Norfolk County
Nominator: Harry Barrett
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Diameter: 95.86 cm (37.7 in)
Circumference: 301 cm (118.5 in)
Description
The Norway Maple is not native to Canada and was introduced to North America in the mid-1700’s from Europe as an ornamental tree. It can can be found throughout Canada from southern British Columbia to southern Ontario and east to Newfoundland. It is widely available in nurseries where many different cultivars are sold. In Canada and the United States it is considered an invasive species, as it outcompetes native species for light and its shallow root system can prevent native seedlings from establishing. It also produces abundant seeds (keys) that are flat and ‘t-shaped’ that germinate quickly. It grows to heights of 12-18 m and has a wide-spreading crown. The leaves are ‘maple-shaped’ and leaf stems exude a milky white sap when broken. It can be grown in a wide range of conditions and can be found as a street tree in many urban settings, though attempts are being made to discontinue the use of this species because it often outcompetes native species and can have a negative impact on woodlands. (Source: Tree Canada)
Norway Maple leaves and seed
(Source: Florida’s Educational Technology Clearinghouse)