Field maple
Acer campestre 路 Sapindaceae 路 also Hedge maple
Britain's only native maple, a neat tree of up to 20 m with small lobed leaves that turn rich gold in autumn and corky-winged twigs. It tolerates clipping, pollution and poor soils, so it is planted as a hedge, a street tree and in parks as often as in woodland. Aphids on its leaves feed ladybirds, hoverflies and birds.
Broadleaf, drops leavesMedium growthSun or part shadeModerate water
Where it stands
Care
Plant bare-root in winter; water the first summer. Clip hedges in late summer; prune trees in late summer or autumn to avoid bleeding. Generally trouble-free apart from sycamore gall mite and occasional Verticillium wilt from the soil.
Benefits
Fall colorWildlifePollinatorsFits small spacesDrought tolerantLong lived
Good for
Street treeHedgerowSmall yardparksScreening