Field Maple Tree (Acer Campestre)

The Field Maple tree (Acer Campestre) is a compact, hardy native broadleaf tree and one of the most versatile maple trees for UK gardens and landscapes. Small to medium in size, Field Maple trees grow to between 8 and 15 metres and are well suited to hedgerows, woodland edges, and smaller garden and urban settings. Attractive five-lobed leaves emerge bright green in spring before turning a vivid golden yellow in autumn, and small greenish-yellow flowers are followed by characteristic winged seeds, known as keys, in autumn. Tolerant of chalk, clay, pollution, and a wide range of soil types, Field Maple trees grow well in full sun or partial shade and require little maintenance once established.

Tolerant of regular pruning and well suited to hedging, Field Maple trees also respond well to coppicing and pollarding, making them a practical and flexible choice for mixed native hedgerows and woodland schemes.

Dense foliage provides excellent cover and foraging habitat for wildlife throughout the growing season, and the spring flowers are a valuable early pollen source for bees and other pollinators.

Characteristics:

Height: 8m – 15m
Spread: 7m – 12m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including chalky and clay soils
Leaves: Small, lobed leaves that are bright green in spring and summer, turning vibrant yellow in autumn
Flowers: Small, greenish-yellow flowers in spring, which are followed by characteristic winged seeds ("keys") in autumn
Bark: Smooth, pale grey-brown bark when young, becoming more textured and ridged with age