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Acer campestre
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

field maple

A medium-sized deciduous tree with a compact bushy crown. Leaves with 5 blunt lobes, turning yellow or red in the autumn. Flowers small, green, forming typical winged maple fruits

Other common names
common elder
common maple
see moredog oak
hedge maple
maser tree
master tree
masarnwydd lleiaf
Synonyms
Acer campestre var. austriacum
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Green
Summer Green Green
Autumn Red Yellow Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Sapindaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Acer can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with paired, often palmately-lobed leaves and small flowers followed by characteristic winged fruits. Many have fine autumn colour, and some have ornamental stems

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe, W Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Suitable for chalky soils. See tree cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed in mid to late autumn or spring. Take softwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 1 but prune only from late autumn to midwinter

Pests

May be susceptible to gall mites, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to tar spot, verticillium wilt and honey fungus

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