Field Maple, Acer campestreSee also A.platanoides and A.pseudoplatanus. Sources of seed and plants The sole maple native to Britain, it is largely confined to England and Wales, where it grows in hedgerows and mixed woodlands in association with ash, blackthorn, Goat willow, whitebeam, hazel, Pedunculate oak, gean and Wych elm. The frequent cutting of hedges means that the tallest trees are normally found in woodlands. Most nursery transplant lines include trees with erect tree-like habit as well as more shrubby forms. Silviculture Shade-enduring and often found in the shrub layer of oak woodland, it grows well in hedgerows and appears early in the succession of vegetation on chalk grassland which is reverting to scrub and woodland. Soil types Succeeds on well-drained clay soils over chalk and limestone but tolerates shallow calcareous soils and acid brown earths of pH 5.5. or above. Rate of growth and yield Grows quite rapidly for 20 to 25 years to make a neat compact tree 10 to 15 metres tall. Then height growth often ceases, maturity is reached in 50 years and older trees are often in decline. Protection and resistance Cryptostroma corticale, the sooty bark disease, has been reported on Field maple. It is hardy to late spring frosts and also resistant to atmospheric pollution so can be planted in towns and industrial areas. The tolerance of clipping makes it suitable for hedges and low screens. Establishing and tending Establishes readily; fruits moderately well and coppices strongly. Timber properties The timber, although darker in colour, is similar to that of sycamore. Amenity value A handsome small tree with neat habit and deep yellow to orange leaf colour in autumn. Conservation The flowers provide a good food source for insects and small mammals eat the seeds. Timber value Rarely available in large sizes and mainly used for firewood. Economic appraisal Not a timber-producer, but useful on the edges of plantations and for the outside rows of shelterbelts. Also has value as an understorey to oak on calcareous soils in England and Wales. Field maple should repay selection for a more tree-like habit. |
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