Norway Maple

Norway Maple

(Acer Platanoides)

This tree is actually planted right on the edge of my yard, again right next to the road. It is standing on its own, a few feet away from the other trees.

Norway Maple is actually invasive in the US, although it's been so long that it's basically naturalized here. They are usually planted for lumber or as an ornamental tree, but they can "escape" very easily and spread into the wild. They don't pose much of a threat and can usually stay in an ecosystem without causing too much damage. However, they are still invasive. They can displace native trees and shrubs, forming dense groups that block out the sun from the plants and seed under their canopy.

This tree obviously stands out because it is invasive, but I can get the appeal. They're very pretty trees with interesting bark and beautiful fall colors. They also have a very nice dark green color out of the fall.