Field Maple (Acer campestre) is a versatile, native deciduous shrub or small tree, prized for its attractive foliage, fast growth, and exceptional value for wildlife. Perfect for native and mixed hedges, it provides seasonal colour, biodiversity, and structure, thriving in a wide range of soils and conditions.
In spring, fresh green lobed leaves emerge, turning rich golden-yellow in autumn for a vibrant seasonal display. Field Maple supports pollinators with its small spring flowers and provides food and shelter for birds and insects. Hardy, adaptable, and easy to manage, it’s ideal for natural screens, wildlife corridors, or countryside boundaries.
Supplied as bushy 2 litre plants , Field Maple is a cost-effective and reliable choice for hedging projects large or small.
Key Features:
-
Native deciduous shrub with attractive seasonal foliage
-
Golden-yellow autumn colour and spring flowers for pollinators
-
Excellent for wildlife and biodiversity
-
Hardy, fast-growing, and low-maintenance
Planting & Care:
-
Position: Full sun to partial shade
-
Soil: Any well-drained soil, including chalky or clay soils
-
Watering: Water well during the first growing season; drought-tolerant once established
-
Pruning: Trim in winter or early spring to shape and maintain density
-
Spacing: Plant among other native hedging to add interest and a wild life haven
Design Ideas:
-
Combine with hawthorn, hazel, and blackthorn in a mixed native hedge
-
Use as a wildlife-friendly screen or boundary in gardens and fields
-
Plant for seasonal colour and natural structure in rural or urban landscapes
Final Thought:
With its vibrant seasonal foliage, excellent wildlife value, and hardy nature, Field Maple is a superb choice for natural and mixed hedging and offers beauty, biodiversity, and structure at exceptional value.