The Norway maple has a large native distribution, taking in large tracts of Europe and western Asia. It can grow above the arctic circle, such as in Tromsø, Norway. It's even used in Alaska, since introduction there in the 18th century, for shade and street planting. A common replacement for the Norway maple in formal plantings (as the Norway maple can be invasive) is the London plane, which is interesting because the 'platanoides' epithet refers to the leaves resembling the plane tree. Indeed, plane-leaved maple is another common name for this tree.
There doesn't seem to be a great use for building material as it's considered non-durable to perishable. However, it seems to be used for musical instruments, along with flooring and furniture. It doesn't seem to be used for syrup either, due to a lower concentration of sugar in its sap.
The tree is often planted for ornamental reasons, primarily for the enjoyment of the colour change in the leaves. The Norway maple has many cultivars that concentrate on the colours of the leaves, or the shape. 'Crimson King' has been given the coveted RHS Award of Garden Merit.
Flora Britannica advices that this species can self-seed throughout lowland Britain in scrub, hedgerows, and woodland. So, it's one to look out for when you're out and about.
The rough grooves that criss-cross the trunk are what I like about this tree. The grooves provide a great touch sensation, as well as much needed places for lichen and moss to grow.
References
Mabey, Richard. Flora Britannica. 1st edition. London: Chatto & Windus / Sinclair Stevenson, 1996.
Acer platanoides - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2015. Acer platanoides - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [ONLINE] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_platanoides#Cultivation_and_uses. [Accessed 03 November 2015].
Now THAT is bark with character! I'm enjoying these posts about tree trunks. Norway Maples are a problem here, but Sugar Maples (Acer saccharum), Silver Maples (Acer saccharinum), and Box Elders (Acer negundo) (among others) are native and quite common here. I love a good tree trunk with moss. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like it! It's really interesting to know which plants are common - and troublesome - around you.
DeleteLike PlantPostings, I'm enjoying your trunk series, what a neat idea! The first photo is really interesting--the bark looks as though it were woven :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Hollis. It does look like it's woven, you're right. I hadn't realised that until I read your comment.
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