Acer campestre, commonly known as the Field Maple, is a deciduous tree native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. It is a medium-sized tree, reaching a height of up to 15 meters, with a broadly spreading, often rounded crown.
The bark is grey-brown and deeply fissured, while the leaves are dark green and 3–7 cm long, with 5–7 shallow lobes. The flowers are yellow-green and hang in long clusters, while the winged fruits are samaras, each containing a single seed. Acer campestre is a popular ornamental tree, often planted in parks and gardens, and is also used in hedgerows and as a windbreak.
It is also valued for its hard wood, which is used to make furniture and musical instruments.
Benefits of planting acer campestre: reasons to include in your garden
The Acer campestre, otherwise known as the ‘Field Maple’, is an evergreen woodland tree that can be a fantastic addition to any garden. With its attractive foliage, pleasant sweet scent and ability to thrive in almost any soil condition, it’s a great choice for any type of garden need. Here are just some of the many benefits of planting acer campestre in your garden.
Firstly, acer campestre is a very versatile plant, able to survive in a variety of soil conditions and climates. Its foliage is deep green in the summer months and changes to hues of yellow and orange in the autumn and winter, creating a stunning display of colour all year round.
Thanks to its shallow, wide-spreading root system, it is also suitable for planting in urban settings, as it won’t interfere with foundations or underground utilities. Secondly, acer campestre is a valuable source of food for wildlife.
The tree is a great foraging ground for birds and small mammals, as it produces a sweet, fragrant sap that is popular in the animal kingdom. Additionally, acer campestre produces small, red/green-tinged fruits known as samaras, which can be a welcome snack for various species of birds, such as robins, blue tits, and thrushes. Finally, acer campestre can be a great choice for any type of garden, thanks to its attractive appearance and easy-care qualities.
When planted in a sunny spot and watered regularly, it will respond with healthy growth and an attractive sight for years to come. Its leaves also make a great addition to cut-flower arrangements and bouquets. In conclusion, the acer campestre is an excellent choice for any garden, thanks to its versatility and attractive features.
It’s low maintenance, provides shelter for wildlife and is a valuable source of food. Whether you’re looking for a showy display of colour or a natural place for birds to gather, acer campestre is definitely a tree worth considering.
Care and maintenance of acer campestre: tips for growing and caring for the species
:In the gardening industry, Acer campestre is a species of maple tree prized for its hardy nature and distinctive foliage. With proper care and maintenance, this species can grow to become a beautiful, ornamental feature in any landscape.
Here, we provide some tips for growing and caring for Acer campestre – from planting and cultivation, to pruning and irrigation. When planting Acer campestre, make sure to select a location that receives ample sunlight – ideally six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Be sure to choose a site that is well-drained, with average soil fertility.
For best results, dig a hole approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball. When backfilling the hole with soil, combine it with compost or humus to help give the young tree a good start.
Once your Acer campestre is planted, you will need to know how to properly care for it. Regular watering is essential during the hotter, drier months of summer, as well as during spring when the tree is just establishing itself. If your soil conditions are sandy or light, mulching with organic matter is recommended as it can help improve soil fertility, retain moisture and reduce weeds.
In addition to watering and mulching, the Acer campestre tree should also be pruned back vigorously each year to maintain its shape and size, improve air circulation and provide adequate light for the foliage. Pruning should be done in early summer, or prior to the spring growth flush. Finally, for best results, apply a layer of organic compost or a slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
By following these tips for planting, caring for, pruning and fertilizing your Acer campestre, you can ensure that your tree will thrive and remain a beautiful, ornamental feature all throughout the year. With the proper care and maintenance, you’ll be rewarded with a lush, healthy tree for many years to come.
Interesting facts about acer campestre: unusual facts about the species
As a UK garden expert, it is no secret that Acer campestre, otherwise known as the Field Maple, is one of the most popular trees used for landscaping and garden design. This majestic species is native to Europe and is known for its attractive foliage and hardiness.
In this article we will take a look at some more unusual facts about Acer campestre that may surprise even the most knowledgeable gardeners. One of the most intriguing characteristics of this species is its ability to change its leaf shape according to its environment. When living in exposed regions it will develop more elongated leaves, while trees growing in more sheltered conditions tend to display rounder leaves.
This is due to the tree’s ability to adjust its morphology to best protect its delicate foliage from harsh weather conditions. Another interesting trait of the Acer campestre is its undeniable durability. Its lifespan is on average surpasses that of many other popular garden trees, with some specimens recorded to have lived a hundred years or more in the right conditions.
This has made it the tree of choice for experienced landscapers who wish to create gardens with longevity in mind. Lastly, Acer campestre has been identified as an effective provider of canopy cover by wildlife organisations, which helps to attract and shelter a variety of bird and mammal species.
Its spreading canopy also helps to reduce ambient temperatures in heavily populated areas, making it an excellent choice for urban gardens as well. All in all, these fascinating characteristics of the Acer campestre make it one of the most beloved tree species by landscapers, gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Its hardiness, changing leaf morphology and ability to provide effective canopy cover make it a popular choice for many gardens across Europe, not to mention its stunning autumnal foliage.
Our video recommendation
Final Touch
Acer campestre, also known as the Field Maple, is a deciduous tree native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is a medium-sized tree with a rounded crown and grey bark. Its leaves are dark green and turn yellow in autumn.
The Field Maple is widely used in landscaping for its attractive foliage and its ability to tolerate a variety of soils and climates. It is also a popular choice for bonsai due to its slow growth and compact size.
The Field Maple is a hardy and versatile tree that can be enjoyed in gardens and parks around the world.
FAQ
What is the scientific name of Acer campestre?
The scientific name of Acer campestre is Acer campestre L.
What are the common uses of Acer campestre?
Acer campestre, commonly known as field maple, is a deciduous tree native to Europe and western Asia. Common uses of Acer campestre include ornamental planting, timber production, and as a source of food and shelter for wildlife.
What is the natural habitat of Acer campestre?
The natural habitat of Acer campestre is open woodlands, hedgerows, and grasslands in Europe, North Africa, and western Asia.
What are the characteristics of Acer campestre?
Acer campestre, commonly known as the Field Maple, is a deciduous tree native to Europe and Asia. It is a medium-sized tree, typically growing to 15-25 m tall, with a broad, rounded crown. The bark is smooth and grey-brown, often with a greenish tinge, and the leaves are opposite, simple, and deeply lobed, with a serrated margin. The flowers are yellow-green and appear in early spring, followed by small, winged fruits. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils and climates, and is often used as a hedging plant or in urban landscaping.
How long does Acer campestre live?
Acer campestre, also known as the Field Maple, typically lives for around 100 years.
What are the benefits of planting Acer campestre?
The benefits of planting Acer campestre include providing a beautiful ornamental tree for landscaping, providing a habitat for wildlife, and providing a source of food for birds and other animals. Additionally, Acer campestre is a hardy tree that is tolerant of a wide range of soil and climate conditions.
