Acer campestre - Field Maple

A picturesque and attractive medium-sized native tree. Field Maple is relatively quick growing and deciduous, losing leaves in the winter. Frequently used in rustic country hedges as a companion to Hawthorn and other hedgerow species. Can also be planted as an interesting specimen tree and commonly seen within native woodlands throughout the UK. This tree is good for coppicing and can be used for wood-turning and carving.

Site and soil

Field Maple is a resilient, tough plant doing well on most sites, except waterlogged soils. Especially good on chalky soils. Tolerant of shade and frost.

Height and spread

Below are the approximate stages of growth, assuming sited in suitable conditions for this species;

After 10 years: 7m x 3m
After 20 years: 12m x 6m

Leaf and bark

Field Maple has a palmate 5 lobed leaf which is pinkish or red in spring, then green, before turning bright golden-yellow in autumn. Field Maple is deciduous and loses its leaves in winter. The bark is pale to dark grey brown with narrow fissures and a cork like texture.

Flower, seed and fruit

The yellow to green flowers appear in May in upright clusters. The fruit appears as double keys with the ‘wings’ almost horizontal.

Uses

Field Maple is commonly used in hedges, as a coppiced shrub or individual tree. The timber can be used for wood-turning and carving.

Wildlife

Field maple supports a wide range of insects.