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Common Name: hedge maple
Type: Tree
Family: Sapindaceae
Zone: 5 to 8
Native Range: Europe, western Asia
Height: 25 to 35 feet
Spread: 25 to 35 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Color: Green
Bloom Description: Yellowish-green
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Flowers not Showy
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Air Pollution
Uses: Hedge, Shade Tree, Street Tree
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. Tolerates some drought. Adapts to a variety of soils including heavy clays. Generally tolerant of urban conditions.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Acer campestre is commonly called hedge maple. It is native to Europe and western Asia, frequently being found on plains, hills and along rivers. It is also sometimes commonly called field maple (campestre meaning from fields). This is a small, low-branched, dense, rounded, deciduous tree or large multi-stemmed shrub that typically grows in cultivation to 25-35’ tall. As the common name suggests, it may be pruned to form a tall hedge. In England it is often included in hedgerows. Dark green leaves (to 4” across) are 3-5 lobed. Leaves turn variable shades of yellow in fall. Non-showy, yellowish-green flowers in spring are followed by nearly horizontal, winged samaras (to 1 3/4” long). Leaf stalks contain a milky sap.
Plant of Merit
Hedge maple is a dense, low-branched, rounded, deciduous maple that typically matures to 25-35 feet tall as a lawn specimen or small shade tree. It can also be easily pruned to form a large hedge. Milky-sapped stems are clad with five lobed, palmately veined, dark green leaves. Plants have good tolerance for heat, drought and urban conditions. Insignificant yellowish-green spring flowers are followed by winged samaras.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Leaf spots, tar spot, verticillium wilt, canker and root rots may occur. Potential insect pests include aphids, scale, borers and caterpillars. Mites may appear.
Garden Uses
This is an attractive tree or shrub for lawns or along streets. May be sheared to form a high hedge.