Field maple
Acer campestre
Description
The only maple native to the British Isles. Although it can grow to 25m tall, it is more usually thought of as a relatively small tree growing less than 10m tall. The leaves are readily recognisable as maple type, growing as opposite pairs on the stem, with 5 lobes and usually less than 10cm across. The young twigs have a rough ridged appearance similar to that of young Elm (Ulmus). As with most species of maple, the leaves of the Field Maple turn yellow in autumn.
Situation
The Field Maple is typically found growing on the edge of woods and in hedgerows throughout the National Park. The Field Maple responds well to regular trimming and re-grows dense and vigorous new shoots from after heavy pruning thus making it suitable for hedging.
Season/Lifecycle
| Flowers | Leaves | Fruit |
| April Small and white, produced in profuse bunches with a strong distinctive scent |
April - May Opposite pairs, 5 lobed green leaves turning yellow in autumn |
May - November Small double samaras (helicopters) appear in late May, ripen through the Summer and fall in the Autumn |
Uses
Typically used by man only as firewood.
Wildlife
Being native it supports a number of epiphytes (lichens and mosses) and provides food and shelter for many insects and the birds that feed on them.
