The Botanical Diary
F
Ornamental

Field Maple

Acer campestre

Field Maple is the most tolerant maple to urban conditions: smog, dust and salt exposure.

Regions
all regions
Colour
Зеленуватий
Field Maple
🌸
Bloom
April–May
☀️
Light
Full sun / напівтінь
💧
Watering
Moderate
📏
Height
8–15 m
❄️
Hardiness
Zone 5b

Field Maple — one of the most undemanding ornamental woody plants of Ukraine, whose popularity is well deserved for beauty alone, but extraordinary hardiness. This tree or shrub originates from temperate zones of Europe and western Asia, where for centuries it has served as an important species for hedgerows, woodlands and park compositions. Today gardeners worldwide are keen to cultivate it, valuing its versatility and resilience to the most challenging conditions.

In spring, Field Maple opens with delicate golden-green leaflets that form a dense crown of familiar silhouette. Flowering in April–May occurs modestly but elegantly — tiny yellowish flowers are virtually inconspicuous, yet come autumn the tree transforms into a veritable treasure trove with its striking burgundy and orange hues. Unlike many ornamental maples, this species is entirely undemanding as to soil type and readily adapts to dense urban development.

In the garden, Field Maple is a universal partner for any composition. It looks splendid alongside birch, rowan and other maples, creating extraordinary multi-layered groups for autumn display. Thanks to the compactness of its bushy form, it is easily employed in hedgerows, as a specimen tree for small plots or as a focal point in miniature gardens. The plant scarcely requires special care — moderate watering during establishment is sufficient, thereafter it is largely self-sufficient.

The greatest advantage of Field Maple is its irresistible resistance to urban environments. Smog, road dust, salting and extreme temperature fluctuations pose no threat to this hardy species. This renders it invaluable for the greening of cities and industrial zones, yet even in a quiet private garden it will reveal all its beauty without unnecessary fuss.

Location & soil

Field Maple — planting & location

LightFull sun / напівтінь
Soil typeany, рН 6–7,5
Planting timeOctober або April
Plant spacing4–6 m
Planting depthНа рівні кореневої шійки

Golden or red autumn colouration

Water needs

How to water Field Maple

IntensityModerate
FrequencyMay–August (молоді)
Volume12–15
MethodПід крону

Drought-tolerant once established

Annual care

Fertilizing and pruning: Field Maple

Spring fertilizingNitrogen (April, for young growth)
Summer fertilizingNo feeding required
Autumn fertilizingNo feeding required
Pruning timeНавесні (sanitary)
Pruning typeSanitary

Remove only dead and diseased branches

Cold hardiness

Field Maple — winter hardiness & care

Hardiness zoneZone 5b
Winter coverNot required
Cover timing
Plant protection

Diseases and pests of Field Maple

Garden design

What grows well with Field Maple?

Клен гостролистий, береза, горобина