This is the fourth part of a series on Norway maple cultivars.
Introduction
Norway maple is one of the most common trees in North America. It has an extended history on the continent, having been introduced as an ornamental plant to the United States in the early 20th century. While Norway maple is classified in several states as invasive, numerous cultivars have been derived from it over the past few decades. The following examines some of the most notable Norway maple varieties, including ‘Fairview’, ‘Globosum’, ‘Greenlace’, and ‘Jade Glen’.
‘Fairview’ is a medium to large sized variety that can reach heights of 45 to 65 feet in height, and 30 to 50 feet in width. It grows at a medium rate. This cultivar has an upright, ovate habit, and forms a broad, dense crown replete with attractive foliage. The leaves initially open with a dark reddish-purple hue. By summer, they mature to a dark green. This dark green color lingers until fall, when the leaves turn reddish-bronze. The leaves are simple and lobed. They have a star-like shape. Corymbs of greenish-yellow flowers bloom on the branches in early spring. These expire by summer, and give way to samaras. A shallow root system allows ‘Fairview’ to dominate wild grasses and weeds. ‘Fairvoew’ tolerates pollution, salt, and drought conditions. As such, it is an ideal selection for planting near roadsides.
‘Globosum’ is one of the smaller varieties of Norway maple. It has a height and spread of 15 to 20 feet. It grows at a slow to medium rate. It forms a dense, tightly rounded crown that becomes replete with yellow-green blooms in spring. The flowers give way to samaras. Star-shaped, lobed leaves expand in early spring. They are dark green through spring and summer. In fall, the leaves brighten to an outstanding golden yellow. The branches may sometimes droop, but typically resist breakages. ‘Globosum’ has a shallow root system that enables it to compete with lawn grasses and weeds. The seeds it produces have a low germination rate, making this cultivar less invasive than others. ‘Globosom’ can withstand mild to moderate exposure to salt, pollution, and drought conditions. It is an ideal bonsai specimen. This cultivar should be grown in full sunlight. The seeds are feasted upon by birds and rodents.
‘Greenlace’ is a medium to large sized cultivar that can grow 50 to 75 feet, with a 35 to 50 foot spread. It develops at a fast rate. It assumes a dense, upright branching habit, and ovate to rounded form. Greenish-yellow blooms appear on the branches in spring. As the blooms are shed, they are replaced by samaras. This cultivar has characteristic lace-like leaves that are dark green through summer. In fall, the leaves turn a golden yellow, providing a striking display. This cultivar has shallow roots, which allow it to dominate lawn grasses and weeds. It is well adapted to a wide range of soils and climatic conditions. It exhibits resistance to pollution and salt exposure. ‘Greenlace’ requires planting in full sunlight to flourish. Due to its appealing form, ‘Greenlace’ makes for an excellent bonsai specimen. ‘Greenlace’ seeds are consumed by birds and rodents.
‘Jade Glen’ is a medium sized cultivar that can reach heights of 40 to 50 feet, with a narrow 15 to 25 foot spread. It develops at a fast rate, and establishes a dense, ovate canopy. Greenish-yellow blooms appear on the branches in spring. These are followed by samaras, which form in summer. ‘Jade Glen’ has simple, lobed leaves with sharp tips. The leaves are medium green through spring and summer, but brighten to a yellow-green or gold shade. ‘Jade Glen’ can grow in a variety of soil types, and is tolerant of most environmental conditions. The root system is shallow, enabling ‘Jade Glen’ to compete with and dominate wild grasses and weeds. ‘Jade Glen’ makes for an excellent bonsai subject.
If you have any questions about Norway maple, or you are interested in one of our tree services, contact us at 978-468-6688, or Sales@IronTreeService.com. We are available 24/7, and can accommodate any schedule. All estimates are free of charge. We look forward to hearing from you.
Photo courtesy of CC-by-3.0
