No, the Norway maple (Acer platanoides) is not considered a hard maple. Hard maple typically refers to the sugar maple (Acer saccharum) or the black maple (Acer nigrum), which are known for their dense and durable wood.
The Norway maple, on the other hand, belongs to the Acer genus and is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is often planted as an ornamental tree in North America but is considered an invasive species in some regions due to its aggressive growth and ability to outcompete native vegetation.
While the wood of the Norway maple is moderately hard and can be used for various purposes, it is not as dense or durable as the wood from the sugar maple or black maple. The Norway maple’s wood is lighter in weight, has a coarser texture, and is more prone to warping and splitting. Therefore, it is not typically classified as a hard maple.
The Battle of the Maples: The Tricky Triumph of the Norway Maple
Ah, the Norway Maple, a tricky little character indeed. You see, my fellow maple enthusiasts, I once had the pleasure (or rather, the misfortune) of encountering this particular maple species in my own backyard.
It was a sunny afternoon, and I was out tending to my beloved leafy companions when I came across a Norway Maple sapling proudly sprouting amidst my Sugar Maples. Now, I must confess, I wasn’t too fond of this interloper, as my heart belonged to the native beauties.
But being the generous tree lover that I am, I decided to give it a chance. I thought, “Perhaps it’s a diamond in the rough, a misunderstood maple that just needs a little extra care.” Oh, how wrong I was.
As weeks turned into months, this Norway Maple grew with wild abandon, overshadowing my poor Sugar Maples and stealing all the sunlight. They became like little maple soldiers, standing tall amidst a sea of Norway Maple leaves. It was a battle I never expected.
In the end, I had to admit defeat. The Norway Maple, with its stubborn determination, proved itself to be quite the hard maple indeed. And so, I learned a valuable lesson – sometimes, even in the world of maple trees, looks can be deceiving.