Pollution fighter, autumn stunner, syrup maker. The field maple is a sturdy broadleaf which supports caterpillars, aphids, and all their predators, all while resisting air pollution.
Its flowers are hermaphrodite, meaning that both male and female reproductive parts are contained in each flower.
The bark is light brown and flaky, and twigs are slender and brown and develop a corky bark with age. Small, grey leaf buds grow on long stems. Field maples can grow to 20m and live for up to 350 years.
Look out for: new seeds which are tinged with pink and the wings on the seeds set in a straight line.
Identified in winter by: the older twigs which have corky ridges and small, grey leaf buds.
The Acer campestre Elsrijk, also known as the field maple, is a beautiful and versatile deciduous tree perfect for gardens and landscaping. This compact variety was discovered in Elsrijk Park in the Netherlands and offers neat conical growth habit. With its manageable size and autumn colors, it can serve many functions in residential and commercial spaces.
Overview of the Acer Campestre Elsrijk
The Acer campestre Elsrijk is a cultivar of the field maple species native to Europe. It was specially selected for its dense upright form that reaches 8-12 meters tall with a 4-8 meter spread at maturity over 10-20 years. The green lobed leaves turn lovely shades of yellow and orange in fall.
This variety does well in full sun to partial shade and adapts to most soil types, including chalky or loamy soils, as long as they are moist and well-drained. It has no major pest or disease issues. The Elsrijk maple is hardy to USDA zone 6.
Ideal Uses for the Compact Field Maple
The neat oval shape of the Elsrijk field maple makes it perfect for yards and gardens where horizontal space is limited. Here are some of its best uses:
-
Hedges and screening – The compact narrow habit provides privacy and beauty without taking over the landscape.
-
Street tree – Manageable size works well along urban roads and in parking lots. Yellow fall color adds visual interest.
-
Specimen focal point – Striking form draws the eye; looks great as a standalone feature.
-
Group plantings – Plant in rows or clusters to create an allée or grove effect.
-
Containers – Does well in large planters and pots to flank entries or accent patios.
-
Bonsai – Miniaturized field maples like Elsrijk make exquisite bonsai specimens.
Caring for Your Acer Campestre Elsrijk
Field maples are relatively low-maintenance once established. Here are some tips for looking after your Elsrijk:
-
Water regularly the first few seasons until the root system is mature. Then only water during drought.
-
Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to conserve moisture. Replenish as needed.
-
Prune only if absolutely necessary to maintain shape. Do minimal pruning in late fall/early winter.
-
Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring.
-
Monitor for pests like aphids and treat organically at first sight.
With minimal care requirements, the Elsrijk maple gracefully grows into a focal feature for years of enjoyment.
Where to Buy Your Own Acer Campestre Elsrijk
As a highly desirable landscape tree, the Elsrijk field maple is carried by many online and local nurseries. Reputable sources like Speciality Trees in Australia provide top-quality specimens up to 4 meters tall. Garden centers also stock smaller container-grown varieties.
Be sure to shop early in the season for the best selection. Carefully follow planting and care instructions when siting your new Elsrijk maple. With its versatility and charm, you’re sure to love watching this compact field maple thrive for years to come.
.webp)
Watch field maple budburst
Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides). An easy way to distinguish the field maple is by the leaves, which are much more rounded than those of the sycamore and Norway maple.
Have you noticed buds bursting into leaf or fruit ripening in the hedgerows? Tell us whats happening to the trees around you and help scientists track the effects of climate change on wildlife.
What does field maple look like?
Credit: Robert Read / WTML
Small, dark green and shiny, with five lobes and rounded teeth. They fade to a rich, golden yellow before falling in autumn.
Credit: Ken Leslie / WTML
The flowers appear to be hermaphrodite, meaning that both male and female reproductive parts are contained within one flower. The flowers are small, yellow-green, cup-shaped and hang in clusters.
Credit: Ben Lee / WTML
After pollination by insects, flowers develop into large, winged fruits which are dispersed by wind.
Acer campestre – Hedge Maple, Field Maple
FAQ
How big do field maples get in Acer campestre?
They can grow to 20m in height. Small, yellow-green flowers hang in clusters. Flowers develop into large, winged fruits. The field maple’s leaves have five lobes and rounded teeth.
What is the difference between Acer campestre and Elsrijk campestre?
The canopy of ‘Elsrijk’ is narrow and upright with a dense, conical form. While it may resemble a typical Acer campestre, it distinguishes itself with a compact, oval crown.
Is Acer campestre fast growing?
Suitable for most soil types, Acer campestre is best planted in full sun or partial shade (full shade is not recommended). Field Maple plants are fast growing, at a rate of 30-60cm per year and are easy to maintain at 1m-5m height – while they can reach up to 20 metres height at full maturity.
What is the difference between an Acer and a maple tree?
“Acer” is the botanical genus for all maple trees. Japanese maples, or Acer palmatum, are a beloved species within this family. So while all Japanese maples are Acers, not all Acers are Japanese maples.