Field Maple
Acer campestre
The Field Maple is a deciduous tree or shrub that typically reaches heights of 10 to 15 meters. It is characterized by its distinct three- to five-lobed leaves and the corky ridges often found on its twigs. As an adaptable species, it inhabits various environments ranging from dry thickets to lime-rich riparian woodlands.
Details
Oxygen production
Produces oxygen through photosynthesis during the growing season.
Habitat function
Structural element in forest edges, hedges, and riparian woodlands; provides shelter for small mammals.
Nutrient uptake
Absorbs nitrogen and minerals from the soil; moderate nutrient requirements.
Food source for
Bees, hoverflies, butterfly larvae (e.g., Sycamore moth), and birds (seeds).
Human use
Used as durable tool wood, turnery wood, and as a popular hedging plant in landscaping.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important food plant for insects; provides nesting sites for birds and contributes to humus formation through easily decomposable litter.
Natural predators
Roe deer (browsing), various insect larvae, and gall mites.
Competitor species
Other deciduous tree species like European beech or hornbeam under increasing shade conditions.
Ecosystem service
Erosion control, carbon sequestration, windbreak in agricultural landscapes, and provision of nectar.
Threats
Destruction of hedgerow structures, intensive forestry, and climate change (extreme drought).
Scientific profile
Profile
Protection & threats
Main threats
Loss of habitats in river floodplains; forestry displacement by more competitive species such as beech or ash.