General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Foliage may burn in full sun. Tolerates some drought. Adapts to a variety of soils including heavy clays. Generally tolerant of urban conditions.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Acer campestre (see B973 herein) is commonly called hedge maple. It is native to Europe and western Asia, frequently being found on plains, hills and along rivers. It is also sometimes commonly called field maple (campestre meaning from fields). It is a small, low-branched, dense, rounded, deciduous tree or shrub that typically grows in cultivation to 25-35’ tall. As the common name suggests, this tree may be pruned to form a tall hedge. In England it is often included in hedgerows. Dark green leaves (to 4” across) are 3-5 lobed. Yellowish-green flowers in spring are followed by nearly horizontal, winged samaras (to 1 3/4” long). ‘Postelense’ grows much shorter than species plants, typically rising to 8-10’ tall with spreading branches. It is sometimes commonly called yellow hedge maple because the young leaves emerge in a stunning shade of golden yellow in spring. Foliage eventually matures to yellow-green or green by summer. This cultivar may be grown as a hedge or top grafted to a standard for growth as a small tree. It was discovered in Postel (hence the cultivar name) in Silesia and was introduced into commerce by R. Lauche in 1896.
Problems: Click for detailed list of pests and problems.
No serious insect or disease problems. Leaf spots, tar spot, verticillium wilt, canker and root rots may occur. Potential insect pests include aphids, scale, borers and caterpillars. Mites may appear.
Uses:
Yellow spring foliage provides excellent accent to the landscape. This is an attractive shrub for lawns or along streets.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2009