Acer campestre 'Streetwise'

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Medium

Dry Soil: Medium

Lime: High

Acer campestre ‘Streetwise’ is a carefully developed Field Maple cultivar tailored for urban environments.

Although the term ‘Streetwise’ was introduced only two decades ago, the concept has been in development for over 40 years. Hillier Trees meticulously selected five distinct Field Maples from their field production, each characterised by pronounced upright branches. These specimens underwent annual propagation and close monitoring of key attributes like exceptional autumn colours, pest and disease resistance, and desirable canopy shape and growth patterns. After nearly two decades of rigorous evaluation, Cultivar Number 4 was chosen as the premier specimen and given the distinguished title of Hillier Acer campestre ‘Streetwise’.

This cultivar offers a consistent, narrow, and upright canopy ideal for streets, car parks, and other urban spaces where sightlines and pedestrian access are essential. It thrives in a range of soil types, from well-drained to compacted urban soils, showing impressive drought tolerance and pollution resistance. The vibrant green leaves turn a striking golden-yellow in autumn, adding seasonal interest.

As a native species, Acer campestre ‘Streetwise’ supports local biodiversity by providing habitat and nourishment for pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a valuable ecological asset in city landscapes.

For landscape architects, planners, and urban developers seeking a resilient and visually appealing tree, Acer campestre ‘Streetwise’ is an ideal choice for modern green infrastructure projects.

Discover more about our ‘Streetwise’ range and how these specially selected cultivars are designed to thrive in challenging urban environments.

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Size

Medium

7m high x 4m wide after 25 years

Environment

Ideally suited for environments frequently visited by vehicles and pedestrians. its uniform, upright canopy provides excellent shade and structure, making it an ideal choice for locations such as car parks, central reservations, and pathways. The trees robust nature and compact form ensure it can handle the rigours of urban settings while enhancing the aesthetic and functional appal of high-traffic areas .

Canopy

Characterised by its uniform and upright form. This cultivar maintains a consistently tidy and organised appearance, with branches arranged in a well-defined, vertical alignment. The even distribution of foliage enhances the tree's structured look, making it an ideal choice for creating a neat and orderly visual impact in urban landscapes and formal settings.

Foliage

Leaves are a rich, deep emerald green throughout the growing season. As autumn arrives, these leaves undergo a striking transformation, displaying the most spectacular gold hues of any native tree. This vibrant autumn display enhances the tree's visual appeal, offering a brilliant contrast to the changing landscape.

Clonal

Acer campestre 'Streetwise' is a cultivar developed and nurtured at Hillier Nurseries by former director Hossein Arshadi. This carefully bred tree maintains all the desirable qualities of the native Field Maple while offering a consistently uniform and upright canopy with a dominant central leader. The crown retains a pear-drop shape throughout its maturity, providing a distinctive and aesthetically pleasing form. Its reliable structure and elegant shape make 'Streetwise' an excellent choice for innovative urban and commercial planting applications.

Resilience

Remarkably resilient and versatile. This cultivar thrives in a range of soil conditions, from well-drained to waterlogged environments. Its adaptability extends to drought resistance, making it capable of withstanding extended dry periods without significant stress. This robust nature allows 'Streetwise' to excel in diverse and challenging settings, ensuring its continued performance and health in both urban and rural landscapes.

Available As:

Semi-Mature, Super Semi-Mature

FAQs

What does 'Streetwise' mean?

‘Streetwise’ is a specially developed cultivar of a tree, designed by Hillier Trees to be particularly suited for urban environments. ‘Streetwise’ trees typically feature a uniform, upright canopy and resilience and adaptability in urban locations.

What does the canopy of Acer campestre 'Streetwise' look like?

The canopy of ‘Streetwise’ is uniform and upright, providing a neatly structured appearance. It features a dense and organised shape that remains consistent throughout the tree’s growth, making it perfect for areas with high pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

How does Acer campestre 'Streetwise' handle urban conditions?

‘Acer campestre ‘Streetwise’ is well-suited for urban conditions. It can withstand challenges such as soil compaction, pollution, and drought. Its adaptable nature allows it to thrive in areas frequently visited by vehicles and pedestrians, such as car parks and pathways.