Field Maple
acer campestre
Also known as: ["Common Maple","Hedge Maple"]
Overview
A small deciduous tree native to Europe, known for its rounded crown and distinctive lobed leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Acer |
| Botanical Name: | Acer campestre |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various settings
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with amendments.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching. Protect from intense midday sun in hot regions. Outdoor placement is ideal, but ensure filtered light indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid north-facing windows in low-light seasons.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; test pH annually.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–7. Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) during growth; tolerates winter lows to -20°F (-29°C).
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Test soil before fertilizing; apply fertilizer to moist soil; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or seed propagation in autumn.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; autumn for seeds.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; sterile seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination varies (1–3 months).
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, misting bottle, propagation tray, heat mat.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent material; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to control size; avoid excessive topping.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage airflow to reduce disease risk.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; make clean cuts; remove crossing branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Move to a pot 2–3 inches larger in diameter.
Method
Remove old soil; trim roots if necessary; use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Essential for container-grown specimens.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim damaged roots; use fresh soil.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water until it drains from the bottom, avoiding wetting foliage. Early morning or late evening is ideal.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; stunted growth in temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; branches can become brittle; root growth halts in freezing conditions.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; move potted plants to sheltered locations.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced vigor in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak sun; increase watering; use evaporative cooling methods like misting.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; apply during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume parts of Acer campestre. The plant poses a low risk, but ingestion should be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Acer campestre seeds or leaves may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not highly toxic, but large quantities could cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicAcer campestre, commonly known as field maple, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant quantities. The toxicity is generally low, but caution is advised.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Field Maple suitable for small gardens?
A: Yes, its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces.
Q: Does Field Maple produce flowers?
A: Yes, it produces small, yellow-green flowers in spring.
Q: How fast does Field Maple grow?
A: It has a moderate growth rate, typically reaching maturity in 15-20 years.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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