Acer campestre 'Elsrijk'
About this plant
Maple Acer
Maples (Acer) form a large genus of trees and shrubs, nearly all from the northern hemisphere and many from China. They range from small multi-stemmed trees to large shade trees. Their opposite, usually lobed leaves, colourful young growth, winged fruits and above all their fiery autumn colours make them garden classics.
Field maple Acer campestre
The field maple is native to Europe, including Belgium, as well as Asia Minor and North Africa. It is a slow-growing, medium-sized tree with a dense, rounded crown and small leaves with three to five lobes. Young branches often carry corky ridges, and in autumn the foliage turns golden yellow to copper.
Location and soil
Sun or partial shade, in any ordinary soil, chalky ground included, as long as it is reasonably deep. It tolerates shade, wind and urban or industrial sites, and copes with drought once established. Very hardy.
Pruning and care
Easy and undemanding. It tolerates pruning exceptionally well, so it can be kept compact. Trim hedges in June and, if needed, again in winter; carry out structural pruning between December and February. Never prune in spring, when the early sap flow makes cuts bleed.
Use in the garden
One of the most versatile hedge plants, both clipped and in a free-growing country hedge or windbreak. As a tree it suits gardens, parks and streets, alone or with other native shrubs. Shade-loving perennials can be planted at its foot.
Characteristics
Botanical
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Acer |
| Species | campestre |
| Cultivar | 'Elsrijk' |