Acer Campestre ‘William Caldwell’

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Medium

Dry Soil: Medium

Lime: High

The Acer campestre ‘William Caldwell’ is a distinctive cultivar of the Field Maple, with a fascinating origin rooted in the history of the William Caldwell Nursery in Knutsford, Cheshire, England. This remarkable tree was first discovered in 1976 by Donovan Caldwell Leaman, the lead grower at the nursery. Donovan identified the seedling for its unusual fastigiate form – characterised by a narrow, upright growth habit – and its striking red autumn foliage when planted in acidic soils. originally named ‘King Canute’ after the nurseries emblem, the tree was later renamed to honour the nursery’s legacy after it closed.

This tree is an excellent choice for urban landscaping, particularly in tight or challenging locations. This hardy tree retains all of the benefits typically associated with Acer campestre, such as resilience and adaptability, but its unique form offers additional advantages in urban settings. Its fastigiate shape makes it ideal for spaces where a more traditional tree would be more impractical. The tree requires minimal maintenance, making it a practical and sustainable option for city planners and gardeners alike.

Despite its challenging propagation process, Hillier continues to cultivate and supply Acer campestre ‘William Caldwell’ within the UK market, ensuring that this exceptional tree remains available to enhance urban landscapes. Whether used as a focal point, or to provide shade in a city square, this tree stands a testament to careful selection, cultivation, and the enduring legacy of the William Caldwell nursery.

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

8m high x 2.5m wide after 25 years

Environment

Particularly well-suited for urban environments, thanks to its fastigiate canopy. This unique, upright growth habit allows the tree to thrive in tighter locations, such as narrow streets, courtyards, and alongside buildings without overwhelming the surrounding area.

Canopy

Distinguished by its remarkable tall, slim, fastigiate canopy. The unique shape features tightly clustered upright branches that grow parallel to the trunk, creating a narrow, columnar profile. The canopy maintains a dense appearance.

Foliage

The foliage offers a stunning display of autumn colours that vary depending on the soil conditions. In alkaline soils, the leaves transform into a classic butter gold, When grown in more acidic soils, the trees foliage takes on a richer, more dramatic palette, with leaves turning into shades of burnt orange and deep crimson red.

Resilience

Renowned for its resilience, thriving in a wide variety of soil conditions. This hardy tree adapts well to different environments, showing robust growth even in challenging urban settings. It flourishes best in lime-free, moist, and fertile soils, where it can achieve optimal autumn colours. Planting in full sun to partial shade enhances its seasonal display. Additionally, the 'William Caldwell' demonstrates a strong ability to withstand soil compaction.

Available As:

Semi-Mature

FAQs

How should I plant Acer campestre 'William Caldwell'?

For optimal growth, plant Acer campestre ‘William Caldwell’ in full sun to partial shade. It prefers lime-free, moist, and fertile soils. Ensure the planting site has good drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can affect root health.

What are the ideal soil conditions for Acer campestre 'William Caldwell'?

While this tree is quite adaptable, it performs best in moist, fertile soils that are lime-free. It is tolerant of a range of soil conditions but can show variations in autumn colour depending on soil pH.

What maintenance does Acer campestre 'William Caldwell' require?

This tree is relatively low-maintenance due to its self-sustaining form. Regular pruning to maintain its shape and removal of any dead or diseased wood will help keep it healthy. Ensure it has adequate water, especially during dry periods.