Acer campestre ‘Elsrijk’

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Medium

Dry Soil: Medium

Lime: High

Acer campestre ‘Elsrijk’ is a distinguished cultivar developed by Dutch garden architect, Chris P. Broerse, known for his innovative approach to planting species that could thrive in challenging, marshy conditions. When designing public green spaces in the Amstelveen district, Broerse sought trees with a narrow, upright canopy that could flourish in the specific environments of the Netherlands. His search led him to identify two Field Maples in the Elsrijk area that met these criteria, and in 1937, he began his first cultivations. By 1953, the final ‘Elsrijk’ specimen was selected, and it has since become a favoured choice for lining streets and avenues throughout the Netherlands.

The seasonal transformation of Acer campestre ‘Elsrijk’ is truly captivating. In spring, young leaves emerge a vivid green with red-tinged edges, maturing into a mid-green shade by summer. As autumn approaches, the foliage turns a stunning butterscotch yellow with hints of orange, adding vibrant colour to the landscape. The leaves of the ‘Elsrijk’ are slightly smaller than those of the species, contributing to its refined appearance.

Particularly well-suited to urban environments, Acer campestre ‘Elsrijk’ is an excellent choice for street planting, thanks to its upright canopy and ability to tolerate paving, pollution and drought. For those seeking a more compact and uniform version cultivated in the UK, Acer campestre ‘Streetwise’ is a worthy alternative.

Visit our Useful Resources for in-depth guides

Discover guides to help you with specifying your trees, caring for your trees and understanding the weights and dimensions of trees.

Useful Resources

Size

Medium

10m high x 5m wide after 25 years

Environment

An ideal choice for compact, urban environments, where space and conditions can be challenging. This robust tree is well-suited to thrive in difficult settings, such as areas with paving, high levels of pollution, and drought. Its resilience and adaptability make it an excellent candidate for street planting, offering a green, attractive addition to cityscapes while withstanding the rigours of urban life.

Canopy

A medium sized tree with a dense and closed crown, creating a compact canopy. This tightly-knit structure makes it an excellent choice for urban settings where space is limited, providing a full, leafy cover that offers shade and visual appeal.

Foliage

Leaves are slightly smaller than those of the species, and in spring, the tree revels vibrant green, three-lobed leaves with subtle hints of red. As summer approaches, these leaves deepen into a rich, dark green, providing a lush, verdant canopy. By autumn, the foliage undergoes a stunning transformation, turning a classic golden butterscotch, adding a warm and vibrant touch to the landscape.

Resilience

A remarkably resilient tree. It thrives in a variety of soil types and can effectively withstand soil compaction, making it ideal for urban settings where conditions are less than ideal. This hardy tree also shows strong resistance to pollution, further enhancing its suitability for street planting. Additionally, 'Elsrijk' boasts a high resistance to mildew, ensuring it remains healthy and vibrant.

Available As:

Semi-Mature

FAQs

What is the appearance of the canopy of Acer campestre 'Elsrijk'?

The canopy of ‘Elsrijk’ is narrow and upright with a dense, conical form. While it may resemble a typical Acer campestre, it distinguishes itself with a compact, oval crown.

How does Acer campestre 'Elsrijk' handle urban conditions?

‘Acer campestre ‘Elsrijk’ is well-suited for urban environments due to its adaptability to paved surfaces, soil compaction, and pollution. It is also resilient to drought, making it a reliable choice for street planting and other challenging conditions.

How should I care for Acer campestre 'Elsrijk'?

Regular care for ‘Elsrijk’ includes watering during prolonged dry periods, especially when newly planted. Regular pruning is crucial to maintain the tree’s shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.