Acer Campestre ‘William Caldwell’

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Medium

Dry Soil: Medium

Lime: High

Acer campestre ‘William Caldwell’ is a remarkable cultivar of the Field Maple, known for its narrow, upright growth and vibrant red autumn foliage. Originating from the William Caldwell Nursery in Knutsford, Cheshire, this tree combines the hardiness and adaptability of Acer campestre with a striking fastigiate form, making it ideal for urban landscaping.

Discovered in 1976 by Donovan Caldwell Leaman, the lead grower at the nursery, this cultivar was initially named ‘King Canute’ but was later renamed to honour the nursery’s legacy after its closure. Its unique shape suits tight urban spaces where a traditional spreading tree might be impractical. It thrives in acidic soils and requires minimal maintenance, making it a sustainable choice for city planners and gardeners.

Hillier Trees continues to cultivate Acer campestre ‘William Caldwell’, ensuring its availability for UK urban green projects. For those interested in more urban-tolerant cultivars, consider exploring our ‘Streetwise’ range, designed specifically for city environments.

This cultivar, like other Field Maples, supports local biodiversity by providing habitat and food sources for insects and birds, enriching urban ecosystems. Learn more about Acer campestre and its varieties to find the perfect fit for your landscaping needs.

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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.