Thursday, May 8, 2008

Crimson King

The foliage emerging from this Norway maple (Acer platanoides) is a lovely red, gracefully encouraging you look up at the clear blue sky. ;-)

Norway maples (synonym European maple) are native to eastern and central Europe and southwest Asia. In 1792 in Philadelphia, Norway maples were introduced to North America as a street tree where, then and now, they fair very well. The drawback is their wind-born seeds spread prolifically, establishing themselves in open woodlands and fields, often out-competing native sugar maple and beech trees.

In spite of this, many building contractors still plant them on roads in new housing developments because their leaves are an attractive dark red all summer long, a striking contrast to green-leafed trees. And I must admit they are pretty. But some Ontario towns are looking for trees that are not invasive. I'm not sure about EG's stand on this issue. These are growing on a street with homes built twelve or so years ago. EG is more aware of the environment now than they were back then.


To see more Sky Watch photos, check out Wigger’s Word by clicking HERE.

22 comments:

dot said...

They look beautiful against that blue sky. We have some sort of Maples that bloom out red around here.

Anonymous said...

Environment is a complex subject.Native and exotic plants must be known. Beautiful shot.

SandyCarlson said...

Just have to love that! Breathtaking.

Neal said...

That's neat!! I like the contrast against the blue sky!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

EG: That is a great shot, our trees are completly leaved in Ohio.

Rose said...

You got a beauty in this shot!

Anonymous said...

How did you take that shot? Zoomed in? Wow!

My SWF is now posted, too! You can check it out here:

Jenn Was Here

Please drop by when you have the time. Thanks!

Small City Scenes said...

Beautiful blue sky peeking through the fan of branches and leaves. MB

FO - 2 said...

Beautiful Sky Watch and a beautiful name on the Maple. ;)

Ida

imac said...

Nice colourful capture.


Pop over and see Belvoir Castle Gardens skies.

Anonymous said...

They look beautiful against that blue sky.
Nice and informative post.

As for your question, and since I know he only had to pay a fine and never really went to jail!

Pretty Life Online said...

Fantastic entry for SWF! mine's up too hope you can visit... Happy weekend!

Tom said...

The colouring against the blue sky is delightful to see.. a great Sky Watch post..

Tom

Marie said...

Beautiful tree against the blue sky!
I have an ordinary green mapel in my garden and its wind-born seeds spreads all over my garden. I have removed hundreds of small plants this spring :( A lot of work! I don't know if I will keep it any more..., but it is a beautiful tree.

Willard said...

A beautiful sky watch photo and I love the flower photos that you posted previously.

Thanks for visiting my blog last week also. I didn't get around to visiting yours then, but I do agree with your comment about the battles being a terrible waste of life. While there were some positive outcomes to the war, it seems that this would have happened in time anyway without all of the killing!

Quiet Paths said...

This was very interesting and I see your concern. Still, nice skywatch photo!

Anonymous said...

It is a beautiful red color. I can see why the building contractors plant them. I guess there is always a pro and con to any thing.
Good photo.

Lilli & Nevada said...

Beautiful

Petunia said...

Great choice for SWF:)

Petunia

Unknown said...

Beautiful sky photo!

Daniel J Santos said...

Beautiful image and great post.

Craver Vii said...

We have two Red Maples at home. A Norwegian on my neighbor's front lawn, and a Japanese in my backyard. They're both very pretty.

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East Gwillimbury is a rural town less than an hour north of Toronto, Canada's largest city. My family calls me CameraGirl because I take my camera with me wherever I go.