Acer campestre

RHS Plant Profile
field maple

Other common names

common elder, common maple, dog oak, hedge maple, maser tree, master tree, masarnwydd lleiaf

Synonyms

Acer campestre var. austriacum

Plants for pollinators
Trees

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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