Acer platanoides - Norway Maple
Introduced to the United States in 1756 by the famous Pennsylvania botanist, John Bartram, the Norway Maple is originally from Europe but now can be found widely as a street tree throughout the Northern states.1 The Norway Maple is a medium-sized maple species typically growing 40 to 50 feet tall. Also known as the Emerald Queen Maple, this species has a widespread native range across eastern and central Europe to western Asia. The leaves are roughly 7” wide with 5 sharply pointed lobes similar to the North American native Sugar Maple. One indicator in telling the two species apart is to break the leaf stalk to see what kind of liquid comes out. The Norway Maple will have a milky sap, while the Sugar Maple will have a watery sap. In New England where the Norway Maple was first introduced, the trees have been found to naturalize and spread through native forests posing the threat of out-competing native species.
Brian Allnut
Writer, Planet Detroit
Brian has lived in Detroit since 2007, and previously ran Detroit Farm and Garden and worked at Earthworks Urban Farm. His favorite thing about the Detroit River is watching the freighters go by from between the trees on Belle Isle. Brian enjoys taking both walks and naps.
Brian’s favorite tree:
“Brian once portrayed an American Persimmon in an educational program for children.”
This Exhibit Took Place Along the Detroit Riverfront September 1-30