Acer campestre aka Field Maple

Taxonomy

Acer campestre, commonly known as the field maple, is a moderate-sized deciduous tree or bush in the family Sapindaceae. It is native to Europe, southwest Asia, and North Africa, but has been widely planted outside its native range in areas of the USA and Western Australia with suitable climates. The tree has a compact, bushy crown with dense, long-lasting leaves that have five blunt lobes and turn yellow or red in autumn. The small, green flowers form typical winged maple fruits. Many Acer species are deciduous trees or large shrubs with paired, often palmately-lobed leaves and small flowers followed by characteristic winged fruits. Some have ornamental stems and many have fine autumn color. Hedge Maple, a super rare houseplant belonging to the Acer genus, is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than one foot from a window. The plant prefers soil that retains moisture well and does not need added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. Hedge Maple is native to Europe and Western Asia.

Common names

Field Maple, Hedge Maple, Common Maple

How to care for Field Maple

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Field Maple, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Field Maple should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Field Maple is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Field Maple prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Field Maple plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Field Maple is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Field Maple’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Sweden to Spain and east to western Asia and the Caucasus.

More info:
Wikipedia