Maple species identification

[NateDN10]

I've recently thought it would be a fun endeavor to grow a maple tree from seeds dropped on the roads and sidewalks in my neighborhood.

So I looked around and found some that I like the look of, and collected some seeds. Now I'm trying to identify the species.

The samara (seeds) look exactly like those from a Norway Maple:

However, Wikipedia says that Norway Maples drop their seeds in fall, and it's spring now. Also Norway Maples are famous for their shallow roots that take all the surface moisture, making it very difficult for surface plants such as grass to grow. However, the grass under the tree from which I got these seeds is thriving.

As to the appearance of the bark and leaves, I'll have to follow up on that later, since I'm at work now.

 

[IndyIan]

When you post a couple pics of the tree, leaves, and bark. I can tell you if its sugar, red, or silver maple.
I don't know all the weird imports though. IMO those shouldn't be encouraged anyways.

 

[Papa Bear]

My driveway is full of keys like yours from my Norway Maple.

 

[threeputtpar]

Originally Posted By: NateDN10
I've recently thought it would be a fun endeavor to grow a maple tree


You won't be singing the same tune when it's full grown and you have to rake the leaves in the fall and pull out all of the mini saplings in the lawn every spring. Oh, and make sure you're not allergic to them too.

Grow an Ash tree, as they are becoming more and more endangered and the wood is good for many things.

 

[CATERHAM]

Originally Posted By: NateDN10


The samara (seeds) look exactly like those from a Norway Maple:

However, Wikipedia says that Norway Maples drop their seeds in fall, and it's spring now. Also Norway Maples are famous for their shallow roots that take all the surface moisture, making it very difficult for surface plants such as grass to grow. However, the grass under the tree from which I got these seeds is thriving.

I'm pretty sure (have always thought) the Maple in my front yard is a Norway and it's in seed now. And the grass grows just fine under it.

 

[NateDN10]

Originally Posted By: threeputtpar
Originally Posted By: NateDN10
I've recently thought it would be a fun endeavor to grow a maple tree


You won't be singing the same tune when it's full grown and you have to rake the leaves in the fall and pull out all of the mini saplings in the lawn every spring. Oh, and make sure you're not allergic to them too.

Grow an Ash tree, as they are becoming more and more endangered and the wood is good for many things.

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll have a look at that.

 

[mattwithcats]

Branches are weak in a Norway Maple.
They break and fall...

It's also considered an invasive species.

Try a Paper Birch, or River Birch..

Or get wild, try a Chestnut tree...

 

[NateDN10]

Yeah, part of the reason I wanted help identifying this is that although they look nice, I don't want a Norway maple.

Thanks, all.

 

[MNgopher]

I'd pass on the advice to plant an ash tree. Once upon a time, I would have agreed, but with the arrival of the emerald ash borer, the future of ash trees around here is anything but certain.

I look around our neighborhood, and like most others of its age, its full of ash trees. it will be sad when the all go. Lucky for me our yard is full of a variety of trees - maples, birch, linden, crabapples, spruce, and pine.

 

[WishIhadatruck]

I wouldn't bother with Ash trees, they die off at a fast rate around here with the Emerald Ash borer around.

Break off a Maple leave at the base of the stem of the leaf. If a white milky substance comes out when you squeeze it, it is a Norway Maple.

I love Maple trees and have a variety of different types of them. I like ornamental pears, like a Bradford Pear, they are full of flowers in the sprint. I like a variety.

 

[SuzukiGoat]

Ash trees are my primary firewood source. Why? A stiff breeze sends them toppling to the ground.

Have a silver maple in the dogs yard with a red oak and twin magnolias.

In the front Im planting red maples, sycamores, and willow.

All trash trees. But free and great shade producers. I love the look of the larger live oaks we have, but nothing cuts you up more while trimming.

If dead set on a maple, silver maples grow FAST!

 

[andyd]

Locust is a is fast growing weed tree. It makes good fire wood and is rot resistant. White oak is the best wood for fuel and flooring and all sorts of things. Choke cherry makes great firewood. I have to split a log to dry it properly. It smells like a maraschino cherry when I split it. Hickory , Walnut,

 

[CATERHAM]

Sycamores are attractive trees and grow well in temperate climes.

 

[Papa Bear]

I had a Sycamore in our back yard and it was the dirtiest tree I've ever had. The bark continually shed and I had to rake twigs each time before I could mow.
Creator had pity on me and struck it with lightning last summer. Thank you !!

Sycamores are only attractive if they are in a neighbour’s yard.

 

[NateDN10]

It's definitely a Norway Maple - leaves and bark are right, and it's got the white milky sap when you break off a leaf.

I think I will have to read up on this some more!

 

[NateDN10]

To follow up on this, I wound up ordering seeds online. Got a Schubert's Chokecherry and Black Tupelo. Total cost was $17 shipped.

 

[doitmyself]

Seeds?? Both of those species require an after-ripening process called stratification before they will germinate (30 to 90 days of cool or warm moist storage).

Two good sources for tree seed growing information are:


The USFS Woody Plant Seed Manual: http://www.nsl.fs.fed.us/nsl_wpsm.html

Schumacher Co. seed catalog: http://www.treeshrubseeds.com/index

 

[NateDN10]

Thanks for the links. It's my understanding that the seeds can be sown in the early autumn and will stratify naturally over the winter, sprouting the next spring.