Acer campestre d.w. (Hedge Maple)

Acer campestre d.w. (Hedge Maple) is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to Europe and western Asia. It is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree valued for its dense growth habit and suitability for hedges and screens. It features palmately lobed leaves, greenish-yellow flowers, and winged samaras

The Hedge Maple typically reaches heights of 6 to 10 meters (20 to 33 feet) with a spread of 4 to 7 meters (13 to 23 feet) at maturity. It has a rounded to oval-shaped crown with dense branching, creating a dense and compact appearance.

The leaves of the Hedge Maple are palmately lobed and have a distinctive shape with five lobes, similar to a hand with spread-out fingers. The lobes are rounded and the margins may have irregular, shallow teeth. The leaves are medium green in color and turn shades of yellow and gold in the fall, adding to its ornamental value.

In late spring to early summer, the Hedge Maple produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers. These flowers are followed by the development of small, winged samaras that ripen in the summer and are dispersed by the wind.

It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade and is relatively tolerant of urban pollution. It is also known for its ability to withstand pruning and can be easily maintained as a formal hedge or screen.

Due to its dense growth habit and ability to tolerate frequent pruning, the Hedge Maple is often used as a hedging or screening plant in gardens and landscapes. It can be shaped into a neat, formal hedge or left to grow more informally as a screen or windbreak. The tree's compact size and tolerance of pruning also make it suitable for urban gardens and smaller landscapes.