Care of the plant Acer campestre or Field maple |
In the Sapindaceae family the genus Acer is classified, consisting of about 160 species of trees and shrubs from temperate regions of Europe, Asia and North America. Some species are: Acer campestre, Acer sempervirens, Acer negundo, Acer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus, Acer obtusifolium, Acer japonicum, Acer palmatum. Common name: Field maple. This species is native to the Mediterranean basin and central Europe. They are trees (sometimes shrubs) with an erect trunk and a rounded crown that do not usually exceed 15 meters (49.21 feet) in height. Its interesting foliage is made up of somewhat leathery leaves, about 10 cm (3.9") wide, with 5 rounded, dark green lobes that turn reddish-golden in autumn. They bloom when the leaves emerge but the flowers are small and greenish and are not decorative. Finally they produce samara-shaped fruits. Field maple is used in informal screens and hedges, as isolated specimens, as a shade tree or in shrub groups. They are ideal for large cities due to their tolerance to pollution. Acer campestre can be grown in full sun or semi-shade exposure and has good resistance to cold, heat and frost. Field maple can be grown in any type of soil that has good drainage and is rather chalky. Planting in fall or late winter. Water moderately, waiting until the soil has dried well before watering again. Acer campestre does not need special fertilization but they will appreciate 2 annual fertilizations with mineral fertilizer, one in early spring and one in summer. Field maple does not need pruning if they are grown as trees but tolerate it well if they are grown as hedges; pruning is done in late winter once the danger of frost has passed. Acer campestre can be attacked by fungi if the humidity is excessive. Field maple is usually propagated by grafting but it is also possible to do so from seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the plant Acer campestre or Field maple |