Field Maple

Description

Field maple (Acer campestre) is a small deciduous tree native to the UK, valued for its wildlife benefits and seasonal colour changes. It is commonly found in native hedgerows, field boundaries, and woodland areas, and is known locally in parts of Nottinghamshire as ‘dog oak’.

It is the only native maple species in the UK, making it a distinctive and ecologically important tree. Though modest when young, field maple can reach mature heights of up to 20 metres, where it provides effective privacy, shelter and sound reduction.

In spring, the field maple forms a fresh green canopy, followed by clusters of small yellow flowers that offer an early source of pollen for bees. Its compact, five-lobed leaves create dense foliage, making field maple an excellent choice for boundary screening and native hedging.

During late summer and autumn, the tree produces characteristic winged seeds, which persist into winter and provide food for birds while adding quiet visual interest to the dormant landscape.

How to Identify

Field maple leaves are small, dark green and glossy, with five rounded lobes and softly toothed edges. Through autumn, the foliage gradually shifts to warm shades of yellow and gold before falling in early winter.

In spring, after flowers have been pollinated, they develop into paired, winged fruits that are dispersed by the wind.

How to Grow

Field maple is highly adaptable and thrives in most soil types, from limestone and chalk soils to heavier clays. It performs best in full sun, though it is tolerant of partial shade, making it a reliable choice for challenging or mixed planting areas.

Well-suited to native hedging schemes, wildlife planting and naturalistic gardens, field maple establishes easily and requires minimal long-term maintenance once settled.