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Acer campestre 'William Caldwell'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

field maple 'William Caldwell'

A deciduous tree, up to around 18m at maturity, with an upright habit. The small, five-lobed leaves turn vivid orange-red in autumn. Small green flowers in spring are followed by red winged seeds

Synonyms
Acer campestre 'King Canute'
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Green
Summer Green Green
Autumn Orange Red Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

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

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Sapindaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in a fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade, but will tolerate a range of soils and positions

Propagation

Take softwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
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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