Culture
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. Tolerates some drought. Adapts to a variety of soils including heavy clays. Generally tolerant of urban conditions.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Acer campestre is commonly called hedge maple. It is native to Europe and western Asia, frequently being found on plains, hills and along rivers. It is also sometimes commonly called field maple (campestre meaning from fields). This is a small, low-branched, dense, rounded, deciduous tree or large multi-stemmed shrub that typically grows in cultivation to 25-35’ tall. As the common name suggests, it may be pruned to form a tall hedge. In England it is often included in hedgerows.
Genus name is the Latin name for a maple tree.
Specific epithet means of the fields or open plains.
‘Postelense’ grows much shorter than species plants, typically rising to 8-10’ tall with spreading branches. It is sometimes commonly called yellow hedge maple because the young leaves emerge in a stunning shade of golden yellow in spring. Foliage eventually matures to yellow-green or green by summer. This cultivar may be grown as a hedge or top grafted to a standard for growth as a small tree. It was discovered in Postel (hence the cultivar name) in Silesia and was introduced into commerce by R. Lauche in 1896.
Problems
Leaf spots, tar spot, verticillium wilt, canker and root rots may occur. Potential insect pests include aphids, scale, borers and caterpillars. Mites may appear.
Uses
This is an attractive tree or shrub for lawns or along streets. May be sheared to form a high hedge.
Yellow spring foliage provides excellent accent to the landscape.