Plant of the Week: Acer platanoides

Plant of the Week! Wisconsin’s trees are in full fall glory right now, but one tree that you aren’t likely to be smitten by is Acer platanoides, Norway Maple. This tree, like many exotic invasive species, is still pretty darn green. The fact that this is a shared trait among many of the invasive plants is not a coincidence: their ability to produce energy for a longer period than the native species is one of the reasons that they are able to spread and outcompete. Other identifying characteristics of Norway Maple include round, fat buds, and somewhat of a sheen on the leaves.

Acer saccharum, Sugar Maple, has somewhat similar-looking leaves to Norway Maple. Some differences include fewer, more blunt points on the leaves, and sharp, dark buds.