Observations by raymond1998

The Norway Maple is native to Europe and Western Asia, making it an invasive species, and a part of the Acer genus within the Sapindaceae family. The leaf has a palmate shape with pointed lobes. It was first introduced to North America from England as an ornament plant in the 1700’s, some desired it for its shade cover that it creates with its dense canopy. However, this dense canopy is now an issue to native plants in New England. Norway Maples reproduce in short proximity to each other, causing rapid displacement of native tree and shrubs. Its dense shade covering prevents the growth of other native plants within its vicinity. It is also thought that the Norway Maple produces toxins that prevent the growth of possible native competitors although this has not been proven scientifically. It is suggested to not plant Norway Maple and to cut down existing trees. Better native substitutes such as the Sugar Maple or the Red Maple are suggested.

Reference: https://www.invasive.org/alien/pubs/midatlantic/acpl.htm

The Northern Catalpa is native to the Southern United States but can also be found in the Northeast, it is a part of the Catalpa genus within the Bignoniaceae family. The leaves of the Northern Catalpa grow to a very large size and tend to enjoy warmer humid environments. The leaves are heart sharped and are oppositely aligned. The Northern Catalpa blooms white and yellow flowers in the spring. Due to their flowers they are very advantageous for honeybees and other pollinators.

Reference: https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/northern-catalpa
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=casp8

The Multiflora Rose is native to Eastern Asia, making it an invasive species, and a part of the Rosa genus within the Rosaceae family. This invasive plant can be identified by its thicket growth pattern, small clusters of fruits, and its elliptical sharply toothed leaflets. Multiflora Rose was first introduced to North America around the 1860’s for rose breeding; around the 1930’s its spread was encouraged by the USDA as a form of soil erosion control. As of 2009, the state of Massachusetts prohibited the importation, distribution, trade, and sale of Multiflora Rose. Its dense thicket can take over an area and prevent native plants from spreading as well as prevent some native birds from nesting. It has no effective predators and grows exceptionally quick. Repeated mowing is suggested, establishing that once cut the area will have to be mowed regularly to prevent the regrowth of Multiflora Rose.

Reference: https://www.kingcounty.gov/services/environment/animals-and-plants/noxious-weeds/weed-identification/multiflora-rose.aspx
https://www.ecolandscaping.org/07/landscape-challenges/invasive-plants/multiflora-rose-an-exotic-invasive-plant-fact-sheet/

The Northern Red Oak is native to Eastern North America and is a part of the Quercus genus within the Fagaceae family. Much like the Black Oak the leaves of the Northern Red Oak have seven pointed lobes. They appear to be dark green in the summer and turn red and brown in the fall. The Northern Red Oak is statistically the most valuable timber per acre as stated by the New England Forestry Foundation, however it is much less abundant than trees like White Pine, which is used more often for furniture and flooring because of its abundance.

Reference: https://newenglandforestry.org/2019/05/16/meet-the-northern-red-oak/

The Black Oak is native to Eastern North America and apart of the Quercus genus within the Fagaceae family. The lobes of the leaf, typically there are seven, are sharply pointed and are key to identifying the tree. Its inner bark is an orange-yellow color, making it a source of tannin and quercitron which are yellow dyes.

Reference: https://www.britannica.com/plant/black-oak