Field maple

An attractive and common small tree that is often overlooked in woods. It is the only maple whose leaves do not turn orange or red in autumn.

What other names does it have?

Can also be known as	Cat oak Dog oak Maplin tree Whistle-wood English maple
Generic name	Maple
Latin name	Acer campestre
Family name	Maple
Latin family name	Aceraceae

What type of tree is it?

Is it a broadleaf or conifer?	It is a broadleaf
Does it lose its leaves in autumn?	Yes, it is deciduous

Species description:

Average height	8-14m

Leaf

Description	Dark and shiny small leaves, with five neat lobes with a few, big rounded teeth
Shape	Palmate
Size	7-10cm wide
Colour	Dark green
Colour of leaves in autumn	Rich, golden yellow
Leaf bud	Small, downy grey buds
Leaf stalk	Long stalk
Leaf arrangement	Opposite

Flower, seed, and fruit

Type of flower	Clustered/grouped flowers
Flowering season	Spring
Tree/flower sex	Both sexes
Fruit colour	Green and crimson
Fruit season	Early autumn
Type of seed body	Large winged seed/key
Seeds dispersed by	Wind

Bark and twig

Bark description	Light brown with close ridges
Twig Description	Slender, brown straight twig which develops a corky bark with age

Where is it usually found?

Is it native or non-native to the British Isles?	Native
Where is its natural range?	England and Wales
Preferred soil type or environmental conditions?	Tolerant of most conditions, including shade, but dislikes strongly acidic soils.
What is its British conservation status?	Common

Additional information

Human uses of tree and timber

Traditionally its wood was valued for its fine grain and was used for wood-turning, high quality carving and musical instruments (particularly harps). The wood is also used as a veneer as it takes a polish well. The sap, like all maples, can be used to make maple syrup or wine. More recently field maple has become common in towns and cities as it is an attractive tree that withstands pollution well.

Young tree

Buds, twigs and leaves

Fruit of field maple

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