Summary
Acer campestre, commonly known as the field maple, is a species of maple tree that is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It typically grows to be a small to medium-sized tree, reaching heights of 25 meters. The leaves are typically green and lobed, and the tree produces small yellow-green flowers in the spring. The tree is tolerant of a wide range of soils and climates, and is often used as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks. The wood is also used in construction, furniture and cabinet making.
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Field Maple, also known as Acer campestre, is a species of tree native to much of Europe, including parts of Asia and North Africa. This deciduous tree is often found growing in hedgerows, woodlands, and fields, and is a popular choice for ornamental landscaping due to its attractive foliage and hardy nature.
Physical Characteristics
The Field Maple can grow up to 25 meters tall, although it is more commonly seen at around 10 to 15 meters. The trunk can grow up to 1 meter in diameter, and it has a dense, rounded crown of branches that give it a broad, spreading appearance.
The leaves of the Field Maple are bright green in the summer and turn a rich golden-yellow color in the fall. They are typically 4-10cm long, and have five lobes with serrated edges. The leaves of the Field Maple are similar in appearance to those of the more well-known Japanese Maple, but they are slightly larger and have a more upright growth habit.
The bark of the Field Maple is gray-brown in color and has deep, narrow furrows and ridges. The branches are also gray-brown in color, and are relatively smooth with few lenticels.
Ecological Benefits
The Field Maple is an important species for wildlife, as it provides a habitat for many different species of birds and insects. The dense canopy of the tree provides shelter and nesting sites, while the seeds and flowers attract a variety of pollinators.
In addition to its ecological benefits, the Field Maple is also used for a variety of practical purposes. Its wood is hard and durable, and is often used in the construction of furniture, flooring, and musical instruments.
Cultural Significance
The Field Maple has been cultivated in Europe for centuries, and is often used in traditional hedgerow planting. In addition, the tree has a long history of use in traditional medicine, with its bark, leaves, and sap being used to treat a variety of ailments.
The Field Maple has also been the subject of many legends and myths throughout history. In Greek mythology, the nymph Dryope was transformed into a Field Maple tree after she picked a flower from the tree. In England, it was believed that the Field Maple had the power to ward off evil spirits, and that planting one near a home would protect the inhabitants from harm.
Overall, the Field Maple is a versatile and attractive tree that provides important ecological benefits and has a long cultural and practical history. Its hardy nature and adaptability make it a popular choice for landscaping, while its wood and medicinal properties continue to be valued by many.
Uses
The wood of the Field Maple is known for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for use in furniture, flooring, and cabinetry. It is also commonly used in the construction of musical instruments, including violins, cellos, and guitars.
In addition to its practical uses, the Field Maple has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The sap of the tree was believed to have medicinal properties and was used to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, colds, and rheumatism. The leaves and bark of the tree were also used in traditional medicine, and were believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Cultivation
The Field Maple is a hardy tree that is well-suited to a variety of growing conditions. It can tolerate both sun and shade, and is able to grow in a range of soil types. It is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
The tree is typically propagated by seed, which should be sown in the fall. The seed should be stratified before sowing, meaning it should be stored in a cool, moist place for several weeks to mimic the natural process of overwintering. The seedlings should be planted in a well-draining soil, and should be watered regularly until they become established.
Once established, the Field Maple requires little maintenance, although pruning may be necessary to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too large.
Conservation
While the Field Maple is a relatively common tree in much of Europe, it is considered to be vulnerable to extinction in some areas due to habitat loss and other threats. As a result, efforts are being made to conserve the tree and protect its natural habitats.
One way that the Field Maple is being conserved is through the establishment of protected areas, such as nature reserves and national parks. These areas provide a safe haven for the tree and other native species, and help to ensure that their habitats are protected.
In addition to protected areas, efforts are also being made to encourage the planting of Field Maples in urban and suburban areas. This not only helps to provide habitat for wildlife, but also helps to improve the quality of the air and water in these areas.
Finally, education and awareness campaigns are also being used to promote the importance of the Field Maple and other native trees. By teaching people about the ecological and cultural significance of these trees, it is hoped that more people will be motivated to conserve and protect them for future generations.
The Field Maple is a valuable tree that provides important ecological benefits, practical uses, and a long cultural history. While it faces some threats to its survival, efforts are being made to conserve and protect this important species. Whether through the establishment of protected areas, the planting of new trees, or education and awareness campaigns, it is important to recognize the value of the Field Maple and other native trees, and to take action to ensure their survival.
More Information about the Field Maple
Field Maple, or Acer campestre, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to much of Europe and western Asia. It is known for its attractive foliage, which turns yellow or red in the autumn, and its hardy and durable wood, which is used in furniture, flooring, and musical instruments.
The Field Maple has a long cultural history and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Its sap, leaves, and bark were believed to have medicinal properties and were used to treat a variety of ailments.
The tree is relatively easy to cultivate and is able to grow in a variety of growing conditions. It is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
Efforts are being made to conserve and protect the Field Maple, which is considered vulnerable to extinction in some areas due to habitat loss and other threats. These efforts include the establishment of protected areas, the planting of new trees in urban and suburban areas, and education and awareness campaigns.
In summary, the Field Maple is a valuable and attractive tree with important ecological, practical, and cultural significance. Efforts are being made to conserve and protect the species for future generations.
30 Facts About Field Maple Trees
Here are 30 facts about the Field Maple (Acer campestre) tree:
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Acer campestre, commonly known as Field Maple, is a deciduous tree native to Europe and parts of Asia.
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It's one of the only maple species native to the UK.
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The Field Maple is a small to medium-sized tree, typically growing to a height of 15-25 meters.
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It's known for its dense, compact canopy and rounded crown.
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Field Maples have distinctive lobed leaves, green in color, turning yellow and sometimes red in the fall.
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They produce small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in the spring.
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The samaras (winged fruits) of Field Maples measure around 2 cm in length.
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Field Maples are known for their hard, dense wood, which is used in woodworking and making musical instruments.
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The leaves of Field Maples are opposite, meaning they are arranged in pairs along the stem.
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The bark of young Field Maples is smooth and gray, becoming furrowed as the tree matures.
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Field Maples are well-suited to urban environments due to their ability to tolerate pollution.
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They are commonly planted as ornamental trees in parks and gardens.
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The wood of Field Maples is sometimes used for making furniture and tool handles.
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Field Maples are often grown as hedge plants and can be trimmed into a formal hedge.
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These trees are sometimes used for bonsai cultivation due to their small size and fine leaves.
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Field Maples produce a vibrant display of yellow and orange leaves in the autumn.
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In some regions, they are used as windbreaks and to stabilize soil on embankments.
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The Latin name "campestre" refers to its preference for growing in open fields.
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Field Maples are food plants for various moth species and provide habitat for birds.
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In traditional medicine, the bark of Field Maples has been used for its astringent properties.
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Field Maples are known to grow well in a variety of soil types, from chalky to loamy.
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They have a moderate growth rate and can live for several decades.
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Field Maples can be pruned to maintain a specific shape and size.
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The leaves of Field Maples can be used as fodder for livestock.
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They are often used in parks and landscapes to create shaded areas.
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Field Maples are used in forestry for timber production.
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The tree's samaras are dispersed by wind.
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In the UK, Field Maples are commonly used in hedgerows and as a component of mixed hedges.
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The tree's small yellow-green flowers are an early source of nectar for pollinators.
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Field Maples have been appreciated for their hardiness, versatility, and aesthetic qualities in various cultural and ecological contexts.
Video
Field Maple filmed at the following locations:
- Pennington Flash, Lancashire: 22nd April 2023
- Haigh Hall, Lancashire: 27th April 2023
- Adlington, Lancashire: 24th August 2023
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