File under: It seemed like a good idea at the time
Norway maples (Acer platanoides), imported into Canada–Toronto and Montreal specifically–because they handle urban like better than Canada’s famous sugar maple (Acer saccharum), are now considered an invasive species in the US and Canada. According to the Discovery Channel, plans are being considered to uproot small trees and replant with our native species. What’s the problem? Well those dern Norwegians are crowding out and out competing the sugar maple. This is not good.
Just another example (like Kudzu in the South, Scotch Broom and Himalayan blackberries out here) of good ideas, gone wrong. When you bring any plant or animal into a new place there is a very real chance it will get out of control. Without natural checks and balances in place, nature tends to do what it does best, go nuts.
Tags: invasive species, Norway maple, sugar maple
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