Overview
Acer campestre is a bushy trees in the genus Acer, part of the Sapindaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around Higher than 12 metres tall and 4-8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Acer campestre grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is attractive to pollinators and low maintenance. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe and W Asia.
About
Acer campestre is a medium-sized deciduous tree characterized by its dense, rounded canopy. The foliage consists of leaves that feature five rounded lobes, which display yellow or red hues as autumn arrives. Small green flowers develop into the familiar winged fruits typical of maples.
About the genus
Acer consists of deciduous trees or sizable shrubs featuring pairs of leaves that are frequently palmately lobed. These plants produce small flowers that give way to distinctive winged fruits. Numerous species display vibrant autumn foliage, while certain varieties also exhibit decorative stems.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Acer
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Acer campestre size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe, W Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Acer campestre
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Suitable for chalky soils. See tree cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1 but prune only from late autumn to midwinter
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in mid to late autumn or spring. Take softwood cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to gall mites, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to tar spot, verticillium wilt and honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Acer campestre?
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Suitable for chalky soils. See tree cultivation for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Acer campestre?
Acer campestre prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Acer campestre need?
Acer campestre is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Acer campestre?
Pruning group 1 but prune only from late autumn to midwinter.
How big does Acer campestre grow?
Acer campestre reaches a height of Higher than 12 metres and a spread of 4-8 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Acer campestre hardy in the UK?
Acer campestre has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Acer campestre?
Propagate by seed in mid to late autumn or spring. Take softwood cuttings in early summer.
Is Acer campestre good for pollinators?
Yes — Acer campestre attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.