![]() Seeds mature in September-October and often remain on the tree into winter. The “wings” of the samara spread widely to nearly 180 degrees. Large quantities of paired winged seeds (samaras) are produced. White sap exudes from stem Photo: Lesli Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Reproduction Norway maples can be distinguished from other maples by a white milky sap that exudes when a leaf petiole (stem) is detached from the tree. Mature bark is gray-brown with shallow, interlacing ridges and furrows. Greenish-yellow flowers in clusters are produced in April-May. ![]() The leaves are opposite of each other along the stem. Norway maples produce dark green, deciduous leaves with 5-7 sharply pointed lobes. The dense root system alters nutrient availability and impedes the growth of other species, resulting in lower plant diversity. The dense shade of these trees reduces light availability for forest understory plants. In some communities, it was planted heavily when American elms were lost to Dutch Elm Disease. It was used as a street tree due to its fast-growing nature and tolerance of poor soils and air pollution. Native to Eurasia, it was introduced to the United States in the 1750’s. Norway maple (Acer platanoides) is a broadleaf deciduous tree that grows up to 50+ feet in height and produces copious amounts of seeds and dense shade. We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).About Norway maple (Acer platanoides) Life cycle and background The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. ![]() This information is for educational purposes only. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. This type of issue is often present in commercial fruit tree orchards and is termed “alternate bearing” with some years a light crop of fruit and others being a heavy crop year.Īs noted, heavy seeding should not pose an issue for long-term tree health, but homeowners should be ready to rake, sweep and pull maple seedlings over the next few weeks. Unlike the fruit tree crops, the timing and severity of our late freezes managed to miss the maple seed crop. The main reason for the heavy seed crop this year goes back to stressed growing conditions in 2011, which helped produce above average flower bud numbers. However, with adequate moisture and normal summer temperatures, most people will not notice this by late June as trees will continue normal leaf development. When trees put a great amount of resources into seed production, leaf production takes a back seat and trees look sparser than normal. Homeowners and landscapers may also notice that heavy crops of samaras can make the upper portion of maple tree canopies look sparse. These can become a nuisance, especially if they clog gutters and down-spouts or germinate in garden beds. Over the next few weeks, these seeds will rain down on lawns, decks, roofs and gutters in many locations. All maples produce samaras, but red, silver and Norway maples often produce the largest quantities. More commonly referred to as “helicopters,” “whirlers,” “twisters” or “whirligigs,” samaras are the winged seeds produced by maple trees. Samaras, also known as “helicopters” or “whirligigs.” Photo credit: J.S. One crop we have in abundance, however, is maple samaras. Most of the horticultural news this spring has been dominated by what we don’t or won’t have this year due to late frosts peaches, cherries, blueberries, plums and on and on.
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