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Is Norway maple illegal in Massachusetts?
Also called: Acer platanoides, incl. Crimson King. Last checked against official sources: 2026-10-14.
Federal noxious weed list (7 CFR 360.200): Norway maple is not listed.
What Massachusetts's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prohibited plant (MDAR Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List) — no sale, import, trade, purchase, distribution or propagation | Acer platanoides | Norway maple | Yes — listed as prohibited |
Effective dates
- The official list entry does not state a separate effective date for this species. See the linked law for when the listing took effect.
Already have it in your yard?
Most state invasive-plant laws, including the list wording above, target selling, distributing, propagating or planting. They generally do not order you to remove a plant already in your yard, but some noxious-weed laws do require control. Read the linked law or ask your county Extension office.
Native alternatives for Massachusetts
- Red maple (Acer rubrum)
- Sugar maple (Acer saccharum)
- Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
- Northern red oak (Quercus rubra)
- American basswood (Tilia americana)
Each is recorded as native to Massachusetts in the USDA NRCS PLANTS Database state distribution (retrieved 2026-10-14). Check size, sun and soil fit for your site with your local Extension office.
More native swaps with hardiness, light and size →
Norway maple in other states
Connecticut Delaware Maine Minnesota New Hampshire New Jersey New York Vermont Virginia Washington
See every plant on Massachusetts's invasive & noxious plant lists, or check any plant.
Not legal advice. PlantLegit summarizes official lists and links the source. Laws change, local (county/city) rules may add restrictions, and the official text controls. "What it means" is our plain-English label; read the exact list wording. Confirm with the agency before buying, selling or removing plants. Full disclaimer.