Acer Campestre: A Field Guide

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tags as requested, and incorporating information gathered from reliable sources like the Woodland Trust and botanical databases.

Here’s a structured breakdown of key aspects of Acer campestre:

Acer campestre: The Resilient Field Maple

Introduction

Acer campestre, commonly known as the Field Maple, is a deciduous tree native to much of Europe, including the British Isles. It’s a versatile and hardy species, often found in hedgerows, woodlands, and parks.

This tree is valued for its adaptability, tolerance of various soil types and urban pollution, and its attractive autumn foliage.

Botanical Characteristics

Leaf Morphology

The leaves of Acer campestre are typically five-lobed, smaller than those of other maple species like the Sycamore.

The lobes are rounded, and the leaf margins are finely crenate (scalloped).

In autumn, the leaves turn a vibrant golden yellow, contributing to the tree’s ornamental appeal.

Bark and Twigs

The bark is light brown and develops a distinctive corky texture with age, featuring shallow fissures.

Twigs are slender and brownish, often exhibiting the same corky ridges as the mature bark.

Flowers and Fruits

Field Maple produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in spring, arranged in erect, terminal corymbs.

The fruits, known as samaras, are winged and occur in pairs. They are smaller than those of other maple species, with wings that spread at approximately a 180-degree angle.

Growth Habits and Size

Acer campestre is a medium-sized tree, typically reaching heights of 15-20 meters.

It has a rounded or spreading crown and can be grown as a single-stemmed tree or as part of a hedgerow.

It has a moderate growth rate, and can live for several hundred years.

Ecological Significance

Habitat and Distribution

This species thrives in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, hedgerows, and scrubland.

It’s particularly common on calcareous soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and loam.

It is very adaptable to a wide range of enviromental conditions.

Wildlife Interactions

Acer campestre provides valuable habitat and food sources for various wildlife.

Its flowers attract pollinators, and its leaves support caterpillars of several moth species.

The seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals.

Cultivation and Uses

Horticultural Applications

Field Maple is widely used in landscaping and horticulture due to its adaptability and attractive appearance.

It’s commonly planted in parks, gardens, and urban areas, where it tolerates pollution.

It is also very useful for hedgerow creation.

There are also many cultivars of Acer campestre, that have been breed for specific charateristics.

Timber and Other Uses

The wood of Acer campestre is hard and fine-grained, making it suitable for various woodworking applications.

Historically, it has been used for making musical instruments and other small objects.

It is also a good source of firewood.

Hedgerows

Field maple is extremly well suited for hedgerows. It responds well to pruning, and creates a dense hedge. Also it is a native species to the UK, so it promotes local wildlife.

Distinguishing from Other Maples

Comparison with Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus)

Field Maple can be distinguished from Sycamore by its smaller leaves with rounded lobes, corky bark, and smaller samaras.

Sycamore leaves are larger, with more pointed lobes, and its bark is typically smoother.

Comparison with Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)

Norway Maple has larger leaves with pointed lobes and milky sap when the petiole is broken.

The samaras of Norway maple, spread at a wider angle than the field maple.

Conservation Status

Acer campestre is not currently considered threatened.

Its widespread distribution and adaptability contribute to its stable population.

However, like all native trees, it plays an important role in the local ecosystems, and should be protected.

I hope this information is helpful.