Acer campestre

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Medium

Dry Soil: Medium

Lime: High

Acer campestre, commonly known as the Field Maple, is the only variety of Acer species native to the UK. Renowned for its adaptability and its distinctive appearance, this tree is a popular choice for a wide range of landscaping applications, from urban parks to rural areas.

The field maple features a compact, bushy canopy, with a shaggy and irregular texture that adds a touch of rustic charm to any landscape. Its leaves are smaller and more rounded than those of other maples, with a vibrant green hue that transforms into brilliant shades of yellow and occasionally red in autumn. This stunning seasonal display makes Acer campestre a standout choice.

In spring, the field maple produces clusters of inconspicuous green-yellow flowers. While these delicate blooms may not be as showy as those of other trees, they add a subtle charm to the trees appearance, blending with the fresh green foliage. These often go unnoticed, but they play a vital role in the trees life cycle, contributing to the development of its characteristic fruits – small winged seeds known as samaras. These seeds initially emerge a vibrant green, often with a delicate touch of pink along their edges. As the season progresses, the seeds gradually darken to a rich brown, marking their maturity and readiness to disperse. The winged design of these samaras allows them to catch the wind and travel, aiding in the natural propagation of the tree.

The Field Maple is renowned for its exceptional resilience and adaptability. It thrives in a range of soil conditions, including shallow soils over limestone, making it especially suitable for the southern parts of the UK. Its robust nature allows it to endure challenges such as soil compaction, coastal winds, urban pollution, and drought, making it a dependable choice for varied environments.

In addition to its visual and practical benefits, Acer campestre plays a vital role in supporting local wildlife. Its canopy provides a habitat for birds, while its leaves and flowers offer nourishment to a variety of insects and pollinators, including bees.

Whether you aim to create a naturalistic garden, enhance an urban green space, or establish a hedgerow, Acer campestre combines beauty, resilience, and ecological value. Its distinctive features and adaptability make it an excellent choice for diverse landscaping projects, adding both charm and functionality to any setting.

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Size

Medium

9m high x 7m wide after 25 years

Environment

A versatile tree that thrives in a variety of environments, making it an excellent choice for hedging, parks, and coastal areas. Its dense foliage make it particularly well suited for creating natural boundaries or hedgerows, where it can provide both privacy and a lovely green backdrop. It's adaptability to coastal areas makes it a resilient option for landscapes near the sea, where other trees might struggle.

Foliage

Distinguished by its unique foliage which sets it apart from other maples. Its leaves are smaller and more rounded. In late spring, soft, dark green leaves will unfurl. During autumn, the tree truly shines, boasting some of the most striking colours among native trees. The foliage transforms into beautiful shades of yellow, often with delicate tinges of red, creating a warm and vibrant display that lights up the landscape. Notably, the leaf stems contain a milky sap that can be harnessed for maple syrup production.

Resilience

Exceptionally resilient, capable of thriving in a wide range of soil conditions. It shows a particular affinity for shallow soils over limestone, making it well-suited for southern regions of the UK. This adaptability allows the field maple to flourish where other trees may struggle. Its hardiness is further demonstrated by its tolerance of various environmental challenges, including soil compaction, exposure to strong coastal winds, urban pollution, and drought. This resilience makes this tree a versatile and reliable choice for both rural and urban landscapes where it can withstand conditions that would challenge many other species

Wildlife

Supports a vibrant array of wildlife, making it a valuable addition to any landscape. its winged seeds are a crucial food source for various bird species and small mammals, providing essential nutrients throughout the year. The trees foliage serves as a feeding ground for numerous insects, which contribute to the local ecosystems biodiversity. Additionally, the field maples springtime flowers are rich in pollen, offering a bountiful resource for bees and other pollinators.

Available As:

Semi-Mature, Multi-stem

FAQs

How tall does Acer campestre grow?

Acer campestre typically reaches heights of 7-12 meters, and has a spread of 4-8 meters. Its size can vary depending on growing conditions.

What are the ideal growing conditions for Acer campestre?

Field Maple thrives in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. It is also adaptable to urban environments and can handle soil compaction and pollution. It shows a particular affinity for shallow soils over limestone, making it well-suited for southern regions of the UK.

Are there any common pests or diseases that affect Acer campestre?

Acer campestre can be affected by diseases like powdery mildew, especially in young trees. They can also be susceptible to gall mite. Regular monitoring and proper care can help manage these issues effectively.