The Norway maple was first introduced to North America from Europe by botanist John Bartram in 1776. He established the tree by selling seeds and seedlings throughout the Northeast. Norway maple was planted by the thousands in the 1930's as a replacement for American elms killed by Dutch elm disease. It has become one of the most common and, unfortunately, most invasive trees that disrupts native forest regeneration. The tree grows to 70 feet and can be 50 feet wide.
Acer platanoides is not in favor with landscapers, urban foresters and gardeners. Its tolerance to stress is suspect and is highly susceptible to a fungal disease called verticillium wilt. The Asian longhorned beetle is also a concern with this tree. The tree is generally quite tolerant of extremes in climate and soils.
More About Norway Maple: Acer platanoides
