Field maple
Also known as
Hedge maple, European field maple
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Field maple
Acer campestre, commonly called field maple, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to much of Europe and parts of Western Asia. It typically reaches 10–15 m tall (occasionally to 20 m) with a rounded, dense crown and short trunk. Leaves are opposite, 5-lobed, and bluntly toothed, 5–10 cm wide, emerging fresh green and turning rich golden-yellow in autumn. Spring brings clusters of yellow-green, nectar-rich flowers that support early pollinators. The fruits are paired samaras whose wings spread almost horizontally. Bark starts smooth and gray-brown, becoming finely fissured and sometimes corky with age, especially on hedged or coppiced plants. Field maple thrives on base-rich, well-drained soils and shows notable tolerance to pruning, wind, urban pollution, and lime, making it excellent for hedgerows, small streetscapes, and wildlife-friendly gardens. It is adaptable to sun or partial shade and, once established, endures periodic drought. Its modest stature, resilience, and seasonal interest also make it a popular subject for bonsai and for naturalistic plantings that enhance biodiversity.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Field maple
Water
Water newly planted field maples deeply once per week in the first growing season (20–30 L for a small tree), adjusting for rainfall and soil drainage. Aim to wet the root zone thoroughly, then allow the top 5–8 cm of soil to dry before watering again. After establishment (2–3 years), irrigation is seldom needed except during prolonged drought, when a slow, deep soak every 2–3 weeks is best. Container and bonsai plants dry faster; water when the top 2–3 cm of the substrate is dry, ensuring free drainage.
Light
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Full sun produces the densest canopy and best autumn color, while light shade is well tolerated, especially on warmer, drier sites. Very deep shade reduces flowering, vigor, and fall color. In hot continental or Mediterranean climates, provide afternoon shade for container or newly planted trees to reduce leaf scorch and transpiration stress. Ensure unrestricted overhead light if maintaining as a clipped hedge to keep foliage to the base.
Nutrients
Field maple usually requires little fertilizer in the ground. At planting and for the first 2–3 years, incorporate organic mulch (leaf mold or composted bark) annually to build soil fertility. In poor soils, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring (e.g., 5-3-2 to 10-10-10) supports establishment. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds after midsummer to prevent late, frost-prone growth. Container or bonsai specimens benefit from modest, regular feeding during active growth and a low-nitrogen formulation in midsummer.
Temperature
Acer campestre is very cold-hardy, tolerating approximately −25 to −28 °C (USDA Zones 5–8). It performs best in cool to temperate climates but also tolerates summer heat if soil moisture is adequate. Avoid planting in frost pockets where late spring frosts may nip young shoots or flowers. In heat-prone regions, maintain a mulch layer and occasional deep watering during hot spells. Container-grown plants are more vulnerable to root freezing or overheating; protect pots in severe cold and from extreme afternoon heat.
