Acer Campestre - Field Maple

Acer campestre, commonly known as Field Maple, is a picturesque and highly versatile native British tree, valued for its resilience, attractive seasonal colour and suitability for a wide range of landscaping and ecological planting schemes. A medium-sized deciduous tree, Field Maple is relatively fast growing and well suited to hedgerow creation, woodland planting and specimen tree applications. Its adaptability and durability make it an excellent choice for professional tree planting contractors, landscapers, farmers, estates, landowners and local authorities seeking reliable native stock.

Field Maple is frequently specified within mixed native hedgerows, particularly alongside hawthorn and other traditional countryside species, where it provides structure, seasonal interest and long-term biodiversity value. It performs exceptionally well on most soil types — especially chalky soils — and tolerates shade, frost and exposed conditions, making it suitable for both rural and urban environments. Avoid only waterlogged soils. Its tolerance and low maintenance requirements make it ideal for large-scale planting schemes, stewardship projects and public realm landscaping.

Aesthetically, Field Maple delivers year-round interest. Its distinctive palmate, five-lobed leaves emerge pinkish-red in spring, mature to rich green in summer and turn a striking golden-yellow in autumn before falling in winter. The bark develops a pale to dark grey-brown cork-like texture with narrow fissures, adding winter character. In May, upright clusters of yellow-green flowers appear, followed by characteristic double-winged seeds (“keys”). Beyond landscaping value, Field Maple is also suitable for coppicing and produces timber used in wood-turning and carving.

Features & Benefits

Native UK deciduous tree species

Fast establishment and relatively quick growth

Tolerant of chalky soils, frost and partial shade

Ideal for mixed native hedgerows and woodland schemes

Suitable for coppicing and long-term hedge management

Strong biodiversity benefits – supports a wide range of insects

Seasonal interest with vibrant autumn colour

Applications

Native hedgerow planting (recommended 5 plants per metre in staggered double rows 30cm apart)

Woodland creation schemes

Countryside stewardship and grant-funded projects

Farm shelterbelts and boundary planting

Local authority and council landscaping

Estate management and landowner planting schemes

Specimen tree planting in parks and larger gardens

Types & Sizes Available

Acer campestre Field Maple 20–50cm Cell Grown

Acer campestre Field Maple 20–40cm 1+0

Acer campestre Field Maple 40–60cm 1+0

Acer campestre Field Maple 40–60cm 1+1

Acer campestre Field Maple 60–80cm 1+0

Acer campestre Field Maple 60–80cm 1+1

(1+0 and 1+1 denote bare root transplants grown for one or two growing seasons, suitable for professional planting schemes.)

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 7m height x 3m spread

After 20 years: 12m height x 6m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Acer campestre
Common Name | Field Maple
Plant Type | Deciduous native tree
Growth Rate | Moderate to fast
Mature Height | Up to 12m+
Mature Spread | Up to 6m
Soil Type | Most soils except waterlogged; thrives on chalk
Aspect | Full sun to partial shade
Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK
Planting Density (Hedging) | Minimum 5 plants per metre
Planting Arrangement | Two staggered rows, 30cm apart
Maintenance | Winter pruning for hedges; coppice November–February
Wildlife Value | Supports insects and pollinators