Acer campestre
Acer campestre is commonly called the Field Maple, or simply Maple. It is native to Europe, western Asia and North Africa. The deciduous tree produces double winged seeds that disperse on the wind. Not among the first colonisers of open areas but seeds tend to germinate under existing vegetation and the saplings are shade tolerant in their first years. There are around 30 cultivars frown for their leaf colour.
This sturdy broadleaf tree supports many insects and their predators. Generally, they do not grow larger than 20 meters and can live for 350 years!
Funky Facts File: Field Maples are a favourite of bonsai enthusiasts. Maples are resistant to pollution and, of course, can produce syrup. It was thought in some parts of Europe that if you hung maple branches around doorways they stopped bats from entering.
