Field Maple
Acer campestre · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae (Soapberry family)
Tree Category
Ornamental / Shade Tree / Hedge Plant
Variety / Cultivar
Not specified (likely straight species or dwarf cultivar like 'Nanum')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8. Cold hardy to -20°F (-29°C), highly adaptable to urban environments.
About This Tree
A small-to-medium-sized deciduous tree or large shrub with a rounded, dense crown. Features small, 3- to 5-lobed leaves with rounded lobe tips and slender, brown twigs sometimes developing corky ridges on older branches.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite leaves typically 4-10 cm long with 3 to 5 blunt, rounded lobes. Margins are entire to wavy. Dark green in summer, turning clear yellow in autumn. Leaf petiole exudes milky sap when broken.
Bark Characteristics
Young stem is light brown to tan with smooth or shallowly fissured texture, occasionally forming corky wings or ridges on shoots. Mature bark turns gray-brown, soft, and lightly fissured or corky.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, Southwestern Asia, and Northern Africa
Growing Season
Leafs out in spring (April), flowers in May, produces winged samaras in summer, exhibits yellow fall foliage in late autumn before winter dormancy.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers moist, well-drained soils, but once established, it demonstrates high drought tolerance and adapts well to heavy clay and alkaline soils.
Mature Size
Reaches 25-35 feet (8-11 m) in height with a spread of 25-30 feet (8-9 m) at maturity. Growth rate is slow to moderate. Lifespan is around 100 to 150 years.
Special Characteristics
Highly tolerant of air pollution, urban compaction, and heavy pruning; frequently used for bonsai, hedging, and street tree plantings. Shows brilliant yellow fall color.
Wildlife & Ecology
Flowers provide early-season nectar for bees and hoverflies. Seeds (samaras) are eaten by small mammals, finches, and other birds. Larval host plant for various caterpillar species.