# field maple (*Acer campestre*) The field maple is a small tree with beautiful leaves that turn yellow in autumn. It provides shade and homes for many animals and is often found in parks and gardens. - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![field maple](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Acer_campestre_006.jpg&width=800) Photo: Willow, CC BY-SA 2.5 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Acer_campestre_006.jpg) ## Appearance The field maple has small, deeply lobed leaves with usually five blunt, rounded lobes, unlike other maples. Its bark on mature trees often develops distinctive, corky ridges. In autumn, its vibrant green foliage transforms into a cheerful golden-yellow. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Sapindales - **Family:** Sapindaceae - **Genus:** Acer ## Interesting facts - Ancient Romans planted field maples as boundary markers because they live so long. - Its wood was once used to make strong tools and musical instruments! - Some field maples in Europe are over 300 years old, witnessing centuries of history! - The young leaves and sweet sap of the field maple are both edible treats! ## Special abilities - **Tough Trunk Armor:** The field maple has thick, corky bark that protects its trunk from damage and extreme weather, helping it survive. - **Wind-Powered Seeds:** Field maple seeds have delicate 'wings' (samaras) that spin like helicopters, letting the wind carry them far away to grow. - **Survivor's Stamina:** This maple can resprout vigorously after being cut back, allowing it to recover from damage and thrive in hedgerows. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 1500-2500 cm - **Spread:** 1000-1500 cm - **Flower Size:** 0.4-0.6 cm - **Bloom Season:** Spring (April-May) - **Edible:** Yes - **Toxicity:** None - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Insect ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** Black Bean Aphid (*Aphis fabae*) — Feeds on young shoots and leaves - **Pollinates:** Western Honey Bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Collects nectar and pollen - **Shelter:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — Nests in cavities and forages - **Eaten by:** Wood Mouse (*Apodemus sylvaticus*) — Eats fallen seeds ## Traits - [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons. - [Shade Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/shade-tolerant): Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight. - [Spring Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spring-blooming): Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth. - [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates. - [Fall Color](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fall-color): Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Timber](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/timber): Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Stay on paths when exploring near trees and don't climb too high. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify field maple? Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is field maple? 1500-2500 cm ### How wide does field maple spread? 1000-1500 cm ### How big are the flowers on field maple? 0.4-0.6 cm ### When does field maple bloom? Spring (April-May) ### Is field maple edible? Yes ### Is field maple toxic? None ### What is field maple's lifecycle? Perennial ## Where to spot - [Grand Isle State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/grand-isle-state-park) — Louisiana, US · State Park - [Schlossgärten Stuttgart](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/schlossgarten-stuttgart) — Baden-Württemberg, DE · Park - [Eichtalpark (Hamburg)](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/eichtalpark-hamburg) — Hamburg, DE · Park - [Sasso Simone and Simoncello Interregional Nature Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sasso-simone-and-simoncello-interregional-nature-park) — IT · Park - [Treja Valley Regional Nature Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/treja-valley-regional-nature-park) — IT · Park - [Acebal de Garagüeta Nature Reserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/acebal-de-garagueta-nature-reserve) — Castilla y León, ES · Park [View all places to see field maple](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/field-maple) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Field Maple: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-maple)