Acer campestre (Acer)

History

Acer is the latin word for maple and means 'hard' or 'sharp'. It is thought to have come from the Romans using the maple wood for arrow shafts.  Campestre means 'growing in a field', hence the common name of  'Field Maple'. This Acer is native to Cumbria and Durham and south from there but not Scotland or Ireland. It is found throughout mainland Europe except Greece, Norway and Sweden; and in wester Asia to Caucasas.

Planting

Dig a hole larger than the root ball, loosen the soil at the bottom and mix in compost or well rotted organic material.  Place the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, backfill, firm in carefully around the roots, stake the plant and water in well. This will ensure good soil and root contact, stability in windy conditions and a good start for the plant.

Propagation

Seeds (Plant November to March), layering and semi-ripe/ripewood cuttings.

Cultivation

Grows well in any moist but well drained reasonably fertile soil in a sunny position with partial shade. It will tolerate heavy clay soils and very alkaline soil; windy conditions and some pollution.

Aftercare

Stake the tree when young and water well until it is established. An annual application of a mulch around the base of the plant will help protect young trees from frost in winter months and in furture years, will help retain moisture, improve the soil structure and fertility. The tree would also benefit from feeding with a general fertiliser in March. Needs little pruning only to cut out dead and diseased foliage and where necessary cut out crossing branches to retain a good shape.  Pruning should be done in autumn or early winter.

Pests

Caterpillars

Diseases

Honey Fungus, Gall Mites

Other information

This acer produces a pale brown wood which is soft and finely grained.  The wood is mainly used in craft work and was used in the middle ages for making musical instruments. It has also been given the 'Award of Garden Merit' by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Height/Spread

A medium sized, broad, upright deciduous tree that can reach up to 25m in height when it has matured at 50 years old.  The trunk can be up to 1m in diameter with a 'corky' bark. It has five-lobed leaves which start reddish-purple and turn dark green by late summer.  In autumn the leaves turn yellow, red and golden brown before falling.  Small clusters of yellow/green flowers 4-6cm across are produced in May-June. Flowers are pollinated by insects and form winged seeds which fall in October.

Annual care

March

Feed with a general fertiliser.

October

Apply a mulch of well rotted organic material to the base of the tree.

November

Prune only if required, cut out any dead or damaged foliage and shape if necessary.