Lesser maple (Acer campestre)

The Acer campestre is a deciduous tree

Image - Wikimedia / David Perez

El country maple it is a deciduous tree with a wide and dense crown. It is very interesting to cultivate in gardens, where it can grow freely. And it is that although it tolerates pruning, it is not a plant that we recommend removing or trimming any branch, unless it is dry or broken, since its ornamental value could decrease considerably.

In addition, it is a rustic species, which withstands moderate frosts as well as Mediterranean heat, which can be intense in summer. So, let's get to know it in depth.

Origin and characteristics of country maple

The Acer campestre is a deciduous tree

Image - Wikimedia / Rosenzweig

It is a variety known as wild maple, country maple or maple less than reaches a height of between 7 and 10 meters. It is native to Europe and much of the UK, as well as West Asia and North Africa.

It develops a rounded and wide crown; in fact, the 'oldest' specimens and those that grow without any tree that bothers them can have one that measures between 4 and 5 meters. The leaves are palmatilobadas, and measure about 10 x 10 centimeters. They are glaucous-green in color, except in autumn when they turn yellow or reddish, and have a somewhat tomentose underside.

Blooms at the end of winter, when temperatures begin to recover, and before the leaves sprout. The flowers are small, yellowish green, and sprout forming an inflorescence or group of corymb-shaped flowers. And the fruit is a double winged samara about 5 centimeters long.

About 30 cultivars are known, such as those we recommend below:

  • Compactum: grows only up to 3 meters, and has a considerably narrower crown than the common species, 2 meters at most.
  • Fastigiata: it is a tree that measures between 8 and 10 meters in height, which has a columnar bearing, with a narrow crown.
  • Huibers Elegant: it grows between 6 and 12 meters high, and has a crown that starts out pyramidal but then gradually becomes ovoid. In autumn its leaves turn yellow.
  • Red shine: it can measure up to 15 meters in height, and has a pyramidal crown whose leaves sprout red, then turn green, and turn yellow in autumn.

What is?

Our protagonist has multiple uses. It is a tree that it is widely planted in gardens, as its crown provides shade, and it also has a fantastic autumn color. Also, if we choose small cultivars we can have them even in gardens where space is limited.

But, as always happens when a tree species is very common, human beings have found other uses for it. And it is that it is a honey tree, for which it is highly appreciated by beekeepers; Y It is also used to make creams. that relieve skin redness. Finally, its wood is used to make furniture and joinery.

As a curiosity, in Alsace (located in the northeast of France) its branches are hung on the doors of houses to scare away bats.

How is wild maple cared for?

Acer campestre seeds are double samaras

Image – Flickr/joselez

El country maple it is a hardy tree. What's more, It is a plant that brings elegance and color to gardens, without forgetting that its glass provides a cool shade, ideal to better spend those summer days that become especially hot.

It adapts well to a wide variety of microclimates, as long as they are temperate. and in winter there are frosts. But for more information, here is a care guide for this beautiful tree:

Location

If we take into account its origin and characteristics, we will have to place it outdoors, in full sun or semi-shade. Likewise, it is advisable to plant it in the ground as soon as possible so that it can have a good development.

The roots are not invasive, but it must be taken into account that the crown is usually very wide, which is why it must be planted about 5-6 meters from walls, walls and other tall plants.

Earth

  • Garden: grows in fertile soils with good drainage. It fears waterlogging, so it is advisable to install a drainage system if puddles usually form on the ground that take time to absorb, and/or if the plot tends to flood.
  • Flower pot: Although it is not a plant that lives well in a pot, it is possible to have it in one during its youth. This must have holes in the base, and be filled with universal substrate (for sale here).

Irrigation

El country maple It is a tree that must receive water regularly, since it does not resist drought. It is preferable that this water be rainwater, although it can also be one that is suitable for consumption. During the summer you have to water frequently, about 3 or 4 times a week, especially if we are in a place where it rains little; On the other hand, the rest of the year we will space out the irrigations since the soil remains humid for longer.

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It has to be paid from spring until the end of summer. The tree needs nutrients, so while it is growing, what better than fertilizing it with earthworm humus, guano, seaweed fertilizer (for sale here) or compost.

Multiplication

El country maple propagates by seeds, which have to be sown in winter, and by cuttings in early spring. The former germinate after about two months, during the spring; and the latter begin to take root after about two weeks.

Rusticity

Resists frost up to -18ºC.

The Acer campestre is a rustic plant

Image - Wikimedia / Basotxerri

What do you think of country maple?


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