Field Maple (also known as Common Maple or Hedge Maple)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Sapindales, Family: Sapindaceae, Genus: Acer, Species: Acer campestre · Sapindaceae (Soapberry and Maple family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Acer campestre
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Sapindaceae (Soapberry and Maple family)
Shape
Palmate with 3 to 5 blunt, rounded lobes
Size
Approximately 2 to 4 inches long and wide, which is typical for this species
Margin
Entire to slightly wavy, lacking sharp teeth
Arrangement
Opposite
Rarity
Very Common within its native European range, frequently cultivated as a street tree and hedgerow plant elsewhere
Color & Pattern
Rich medium to dark green on the upper surface, slightly paler and finely pubescent beneath; turns a brilliant golden-yellow in autumn
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation with 5 main veins radiating from the base, prominent pale midrib and branching networks
Texture & Surface
Matte finish with a slightly soft, smooth adaxial surface and faint fine hairs along the veins on the abaxial side
Description
Acer campestre is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree reaching heights of 15 to 25 meters, often growing as a multi-stemmed shrub or tightly clipped hedge. It features deeply furrowed corky bark on older branches, inconspicuous greenish-yellow spring flowers, and paired samaras with horizontally spreading wings.
Key Features
Blunt, rounded leaf lobes without sharp points, milky sap exuding from the broken petioles, and distinctly corky ridges often developing on older twigs
Habitat
Thrives in hedgerows, scrub, and deciduous woodlands, preferring well-drained calcareous or clay soils and moderate moisture in full sun to partial shade
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, spanning from Britain and France through central Europe to western Asia and the Caucasus, widely planted globally
Condition Notes
The leaves are generally in Good health, displaying a typical mature green summer coloration with only minor natural surface dust and intact structures
Interesting Facts
Field Maple is exceptionally tolerant of heavy pruning, making it one of the premier species for traditional European hedgerows and topiary; its dense wood was historically used for turned items and musical instruments
Medicinal & Uses
Used extensively in landscaping as an ornamental and hedging plant; the wood is tough and resilient; no major modern medicinal uses, though historical herbalism utilized various parts for astringent properties. Non-toxic.
Ecological Role
Provides vital nesting habitat, shelter, and food for numerous birds and invertebrates, while its flowers offer early spring nectar for pollinators
Similar Species
Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) and Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), both of which have much larger leaves with sharply pointed lobes and teeth
Foraging Tips
Look for dense hedgerows and woodland margins in autumn to spot the bright golden leaves and distinctive flat-winged seed keys; check petioles for milky sap to confirm identity
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. Safe for humans, dogs, cats, and horses.