hedge maple (Acer campestre)

Acer (maple)
Written By Colorado Tree Coalition

First place Champion hedge maple in Boulder.

Species info:

Leaves: Alternate, small leaves which have 3 to 5 lobes that are not toothed

Leaflets: None (simple leaf).

Leaf Surface: Dark green, somewhat hairy

Bark: Grayish-black, lightly furrowed

Flowers: Small, green pubescent clusters.

Fruit: Samara; 1" to 1-3/4" long; wings very wide spread.

Botanical: Acer campestre

Family: Sapindaceae

Mature Height: 25 to 35 feet

Canopy Spread: Comparable to height

Foliage Type: Deciduous

Tree Shape: Rounded and dense

Growth Rate: Slow

Flower: Inconspicuous

Fruit: Prominent, can be messy

Fall Color: Yellow, leaves usually die in late fall

Water Use: Low to moderate, excellent tolerance to drought and heat

Hardiness: Zones 4–7

Soil Preference: Adaptable; tolerates drought, high pH, salt, and compacted soils

Wildlife Value: Samaras attract birds and small mammals

Pests/Pathogens: Aphids, leaf scorch, susceptible to iron chlorosis in high pH soils

Planting Recommendations: Recommended for most sites along the Front Range and the Western Slope; prone to dieback in early freezes, plant in protected sites

Information Sources:

  • Front Range Tree Recommendation List

  • Michael Dirr, Encyclopedia of Trees & Shrubs. 2015. Timberpress.


Colorado Tree Coalition
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