Field Maple, Common Maple
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Sapindales, Family: Sapindaceae, Genus: Acer, Species: Acer campestre · Sapindaceae (Maple family) · Simple; Deciduous
Species
Acer campestre
Leaf Type
Simple; Deciduous
Family
Sapindaceae (Maple family)
Shape
Palmately lobed with five distinct, blunt lobes. The central three lobes are most prominent, while the basal two are smaller.
Size
Approximately 2.5 to 3 inches wide based on hand comparison, which is typical for the species; adults range 2-4 inches.
Margin
Entire (smooth) along the lobe edges, with rounded (obtuse) lobe tips, lacking the sharp serrations found in many other maples.
Arrangement
Opposite (arranged in pairs along the stem).
Rarity
Very Common; it is the most widespread and abundant maple species in much of Europe.
Color & Pattern
Uniform dark green upper surface; slightly paler underside. Turns a brilliant golden yellow to orange-brown in autumn.
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation with five primary veins radiating from the base of the blade into the lobes.
Texture & Surface
Leathery (coriaceous) and slightly matte. The species is known for producing a milky sap from the petiole when broken.
Description
A small to medium-sized deciduous tree reaching 15-25 meters. Known for its compact, rounded crown and distinctive corky 'wings' on the bark of younger twigs. It produces small, greenish flowers in spring followed by horizontally-aligned winged seeds (samaras).
Key Features
Blunt, rounded lobes (unlike the pointed lobes of Norway Maple) and the presence of milky white latex in the petiole.
Habitat
Thrives in alkaline soils, kalk-rich woodlands, hedgerows, and scrub. Resilient to air pollution and compaction.
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, Southwest Asia, and North Africa. Widely planted as an ornamental and hedging plant in North America and New Zealand.
Condition Notes
The specimen appears mature and healthy, though there is minor herbivory or mechanical tearing at the tip of the central lobe. Health Grade: Good.
Interesting Facts
It is the only maple native to the United Kingdom. Its timber is exceptionally hard and was traditionally used for making musical instruments and carving.
Medicinal & Uses
Popular in landscaping for hedging and pleaching. Historically, the sap was boiled into syrup. The wood is valued in joinery and for charcoal production.
Ecological Role
High wildlife value; the flowers provide nectar for bees and hoverflies, and the leaves are a food source for caterpillars of the mocha moth.
Similar Species
Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) which has sharply pointed lobes and larger leaves; Acer monspessulanum (Montpellier Maple) which typically has only three lobes.
Foraging Tips
Look for this in old hedgerows or at the edges of deciduous forests. The leaves are unmistakable due to their small size and rounded, thumb-like lobes.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans. However, like many Acer species, it can be toxic to horses if consumed in large quantities (atypical myopathy risk).