Ashleaf maple is not a native species, it was imported from North America, where it grows wild, as the ornamental plant in the beginning of the 19^th century. The first attempts to plant it in Latvia were unsuccessful because the young trees were destroyed by frost. Although in Latvia ashleaf maple acclimatized in greenery only in the beginning of the 20^th century, today it has already spread throughout Latvia, especially in the vicinity of Riga and Daugavpils. In increased numbers, this species breeds in ruderal and abandoned areas, but it may be often found also in natural habitats. With mass reproduction, this species strongly alters natural habitats and displaces many native plant species from their natural habitats. The rapid spread of ashleaf maple was influenced by the frequent planting of these plants in greenery and the fact that its fruit is easily carried away by wind and water. River valleys with running water are one of the most efficient ways of spreading, the seeds can survive in the water for up to six weeks, and can germinate even before reaching the land.