Common Name: hedge maple
Type: Tree
Family: Sapindaceae
Zone: 6 to 8
Height: 25.00 to 35.00 feet
Spread: 25.00 to 35.00 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Description: Yellowish-green
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Hedge, Shade Tree, Street Tree
Tolerate: Clay Soil, Air Pollution
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.
'Evelyn', commonly sold in commerce under the trade name of QUEEN ELIZABETH, is considered to be a more vigorous form than the species and is primarily distinguished from the species by having (1) distinct uniform upright branching with branches angling from the trunk at a 45 degree angle, (2) larger leaves and (3) growth spurt in the first year. Dark green leaves (to 5" long and 4” across in the second year) are 3-5 lobed (typically 5 lobed). Leaves turn variable shades of yellow in fall. Non-showy, yellowish-green flowers in spring are followed by nearly horizontal, winged samaras (to 1 3/4” long). Leaf stalks contain a milky sap. U. S. Plant Patent PP4,392 was issued on March 6, 1979.
RHS lists the this cultivar as Acer camplestre 'Queen Elizabeth' and 'Evelyn' as a synonym.
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.