Acero Campestre

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Sapindaceae

Order

Sapindales

Genus

Acer

Species

rural

Description

Third-size deciduous polyennial tree. With an erect habit, it develops a globose-ovate foliage that is appreciated for its shading effect that contrasts the heat island effect and at the same time for the scenic landscape value conferred during the autumn period by the golden hues of its foliage. With its wide versatility of use, it is ideal for private and public green areas, including urban areas where it can be the ideal choice for its resistance to short periods of drought and atmospheric pollution.

Variety description

A tree indigenous to the European range, of medium size and good adaptability. Forms an ovoid, orderly, medium-sized crown with deciduous, dark green foliage that turns golden yellow in autumn. It requires a sunny exposure, but also tolerates partially shady areas or under foliage well. It develops an important primary root and a good growth of secondary roots of medium depth. Multifunctional tree, both for urban landscaping and environmental reconstruction in lowland and hillside areas and for gardens and roof gardens. Withstands pruning and is resistant to tree diseases. A species that lends itself well to future development and selection due to climate change and pollution.

Curiosities and special features

Maple wood has been used since the Middle Ages to make musical instruments, even Antonio Stradivari in the 17th century chose it to make part of his violins; it was also used to make agricultural tools and as a living brace for rows of vines. Recent research has shown that the field maple has an average capacity to absorb carbon dioxide and fine dust, playing an important role in combating air pollution, particularly in today's urban areas.

Origin and distribution

Species indigenous to a western European-Asian distribution.

Leaf

Leafs have a palmate-lobed lamina.

Flowering period

Flowering occurs from early to mid-spring and lasts between 10 and 20 days. The flowers have no particular ornamental value but do attract bees; the field maple is in fact counted among the melliferous species.

Leaf colour

Homogeneous hue that turns to golden yellow or yellow-orange in autumn, creating an elegant and striking scenic effect.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 5 to 10 m representing a third size tree.

Lifespan

Polyennial deciduous tree.

Where to plant

Suitable for cultivation in open fields, green roofs

Stem

The stem is woody with smooth bark; the variety has no thorns.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

It develops an Erect habitus with globose-ovate foliage.

Branching

Abundant branching adds value to the plant by creating a dense and proportionate vegetative structure.

PH

The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic with an optimum value of 6.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting at the end of autumn, choose the most suitable site, in relation to the plant's needs, and use a spade to make the planting hole at least one third the size of the root or root ball volume, removing any weeds and bulky pebbles. Add organic substance and apply slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser for background fertilisation to ensure the nutrients the plant needs in the early post-transplant phases.

Sun exposure

It prefers full sun exposure to best express its vegetative development.

Ideal climate and temperature

Theideal temperature is between 5 and 30 °C for better vegetative growth; the species prefers mild thermal conditions. The vital temperature is between -5 and 40 °C.

Use

Due to its good adaptability and developed vegetative habitus, it is a multifunctional tree, suitable for the following areas of use:

Outdoor ornamental Landscaping Outdoor Landscape Design

Hardiness

Ahighly rustic plant, it adapts to different types of soil and tolerates both cold winter and hot summer conditions.

Soil

It adapts to different soil conditions, however, the ideal soil for a better rooting of field maple is medium-textured, i.e. with a balanced texture, as well as well-drained and loosened.

Difficulty

An easy-to-grow tree; the level of management effort required is medium overall.

Growing tips

Here are some specific cultivation tips and aspects to achieve better vegetative growth:

Correct pruning Balanced fertilisation For a good, abundant and continuous flowering, it is necessary to fertilise well both in the autumn and in the spring at the vegetative restart and to water regularly

Combinations with other plants

The field maple is perfect both as a single specimen or in homogenous groups as well as for compositions with other species, e.g. with bulbous, ground cover and annual or biennial herbaceous plants under the canopy, achieving highly ornamental landscape effects.

Planting

For transplanting, adopt an average density of 1000 plants/ha, choosing healthy specimens, free from abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Always identify the planting site in advance in relation to the growth conditions required by the species according to the principle of 'the right plant in the right place'.

Place the root ball in the previously dug planting hole, keeping the plant collar off the soil surface, water after planting, avoiding water stagnation. To improve weed control, retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, a layer of mulch can be spread on the soil near the trunk.

Pruning

Never over-pruning the side branches, leaving a Medium covering of the stem with branches and leaves in summer.

Propagation

Reproduction can be by apical cuttings or by grafting.

Watering

When transplanting, assist the plant to allow it to develop its root system in the best possible way in the new site by keeping it at a constant humidity free of water stagnation and dryness. Afterwards, prevent water saturation conditions and give quantities with frequencies and doses also commensurate with the climatic trend during the different seasons.

Fertilising

When transplanting, carry out a background fertilisation by applying slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants to the soil. Following removal to the new planting site, carry out balanced fertilisation in spring and autumn without over- or under-fertilisation.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible Species.

Tip

Tree well suited to various combinations in parks and gardens: bulbous undergrowth or ground cover and biennial and annual flowering; humble but aesthetically pleasing tree. Field maple forms pruned into espaliers (flat crown) are also available for use on terraces, perimeter walls and historic gardens.