Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Field Maple

Description:

A very common shrub throughout Europe where it is used as a hedge, tolerates pruning very well; also nice as a shade tree; one of the most adaptable of the maples to a wide range of growing conditions

Ornamental Features

Hedge Maple has dark green deciduous foliage on a tree with a round habit of growth. The lobed leaves turn yellow in fall.

Landscape Attributes

Hedge Maple is a dense deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and should only be pruned in summer after the leaves have fully developed, as it may 'bleed' sap if pruned in late winter or early spring. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Hedge Maple is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Hedges/Screening
• Windbreaks and Shelterbelts

Planting & Growing

Hedge Maple will grow to be about 35 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for alkaline soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.