About

Acer campestre, the field maple, is Britain's only native maple and a thoroughly reliable, medium-sized deciduous tree with a densely branched, well-rounded crown. Its five-lobed leaves are a cheerful green through summer, turning to excellent shades of yellow and red in autumn. Small, green flowers develop into the typical winged maple fruits. A superb tree for hedging, specimen planting or wildlife-friendly gardens.

About the genus

Acer is a large genus of deciduous trees and large shrubs, with a handful of evergreen species, distributed across the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Maples are typically recognised by their paired, often palmately lobed leaves and the distinctive winged fruits (samaras) that follow small, often inconspicuous flowers. Many are celebrated for brilliant autumn colour, and several species are prized for ornamental bark.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, W Asia

Care notes

CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Suitable for chalky soils. See tree cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 1 but prune only from late autumn to midwinter
PropagationPropagate by seed in mid to late autumn or spring. Take softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to gall mites, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to tar spot, verticillium wilt and honey fungus
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