East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing
Soil
Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Acer campestre, field maple, is the UK's only native maple tree. Found growing in woods and hedgerows, it's a medium-sized, deciduous tree with a rounded, bushy crown. It has attractive lobed leaves that turn golden yellow in autumn. Tiny flowers in spring are followed by winged fruits. It holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit.
Acer campestre is suitable for a medium or large garden and can also be grown as a hedge.
As a British native, Acer campestre is excellent for wildlife: its leaves attract aphids and their predators, including ladybirds and hoverflies. The caterpillars of several species of moth feed on its leaves, and bees and other pollinators visit its flowers. It's tolerant of pollution and and exposed sites.
Grow Acer campestre in any moist but well drained soil, in sun or partial shade. Field maple grown as a tree does not need pruning, but if growing as a hedge, prune in early winter to keep it at the desired height.
Where to buy Acer campestre online
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Acer is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.
