Acer campestre (Field Maple)

Is Field Maple native to the UK?

Field Maple (Acer campestre) is the UK’s only native maple, is a resilient broadleaf tree known for its adaptability and ecological value. This tree can reach heights of up to 20 meters and live for as long as 350 years

Throughout history, the Field Maple has been imbued with various symbolic meanings and uses. In parts of Europe, it was believed that hanging maple branches around doorways could prevent bats from entering homes. This tree was also valued for its supposed medicinal properties; the renowned herbalist Nicholas Culpepper recommended using maple leaves and bark to strengthen the liver (we don't recommend). 

 In Druidic traditions, its seasonal color change was seen as a form of natural alchemy, a transformation from silver to gold that symbolized "sunshine fire." The wood of the Field Maple, known for its hardness and density, has been used in various traditional crafts. During the Middle Ages, it was prized for wood-turning and carving, and its fine-grained timber was favored for making musical instruments, particularly harps and other stringed instruments

Charachteristics of Fiield Maple 

The trunk of the Field Maple is characterized by light brown bark that develops vertical flaky fissures as the tree matures. The twigs are slender and brown, and with age, they develop a distinctive corky bark. These corky ridges are one of the key features for identifying the tree during the winter months, along with the small, grey leaf buds that grow on long stems.

The leaves of the Field Maple are small, dark green, and glossy, with five rounded lobes and a smooth texture. These leaves are smaller and more rounded than those of the Sycamore, a tree often confused with the Field Maple. In spring and summer, the leaves offer a fresh, reddish-green hue, but it’s in autumn that the Field Maple truly shines. The foliage turns a rich golden-yellow, sometimes tinged with orange or red, creating a stunning display that rivals even the most celebrated autumnal trees

The tree also produces small, yellow-green, cup-shaped flowers that hang in clusters. After pollination, which is primarily facilitated by insects, these flowers develop into large, winged fruits known as samaras. These seed pods are notable for their straight wings, unlike the V-shaped wings of the Sycamore, and are dispersed by the wind in autumn, spinning gracefully as they fall to the ground

Wildlife Benefits of Maple

The Field Maple plays a crucial role in supporting local wildlife, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious gardeners. This tree is particularly attractive to aphids, which in turn attract a host of predators, including ladybirds, hoverflies, and various bird species. The flowers provide a valuable source of nectar and pollen for bees, while the seeds are a food source for small mammals and birds.

The leaves of the Field Maple are also important to several species of moths, such as the Mocha moth, whose caterpillars feed on them. By planting a Field Maple, gardeners can contribute to the local ecosystem, supporting a wide range of species and enhancing biodiversity.

Where to plant Field Maple

Field Maples are commonly found in woods, scrub, hedgerows, and on chalk lowlands. They are highly adaptable, growing well in a range of soil types, except those that are particularly waterlogged. Their tolerance for pollution makes them a reliable choice for urban planting, where they can thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions. This versatility, combined with their ecological benefits, makes Field Maples a favored choice in both rural and urban landscapes.

Can Field Maple be used in a hedge mix? 

Field Maples can be planted as a single species hedge or combined with other native plants to create a diverse and wildlife-friendly barrier.