Acer campestre (Hedge Maple)


Michael's Opinion

Ideal in the trained form. It is not a tree that is without further work to maintain its form, commonly used in Europe as a hedge, hence the common name, it responds well to pruning. In Ontario I have seldom seen it used as a hedge and wonder why.

Botanical Information

FamilySapindaceae (Aceraceae)
GenusAcer
Speciescampestre
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginEurope, North Africa and Western Asia.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4a - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-26) - (-7)
Temperature (°F)(-15) - 20
Height7.6-10.6 m
Spread7.6-10.6 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodApril, May

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA broad spreading small tree or large shrub. Form may be variable depending on its culture: it can be trained as a standard or not. This species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern.
ID CharacteristicSmall, palmate leaves that are light green in colour.
ShapeOften a rounded crown that can be low branched without the aid of selective pruning.
LandscapeAs a small tree, hedge, or informal hedge/screen. If used as a specimen tree in the landscape it will need pruning to help develop and maintain a suitable shape.
CultivationEasy to grow prefers, most, well drained soils in full sun to partial shade, best in full sun. Can withstand dry conditions which makes it an outstanding tree for city plantings.
PestsOccasionally Maple tar spot and aphids, but not of great enough concern to warrant control.
HabitatPlains, hills and along riversides.
Bark/Stem DescriptionFinely fissured, light grey. Has distinct flat cork like appearance, new shoots are often ridged.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionTerminal buds to 5 mm long often slightly pubescent with lateral buds often not as visible. Grey brown in colour.
Leaf DescriptionSmall, palmate, predominantly five lobed, to 5cm across and 5cm in length, lobes occasionaly coarsely serrate. Dark green with yellowish-green or clear yellow autumn colour.
Flower DescriptionInsignificant green flowers in corymbs in May.
Fruit DescriptionSamara to 6 cm across the wings often with a slight pink tinge.
Colour DescriptionPale green in leaf and an unattractive spotty yellow in the autumn.
Texture DescriptionMedium textured tree. Has distinct, corky bark.

Photographs