Tree Profiles > How to identify a field maple tree
How do you identify a field maple tree?
Wondering if you are looking at a field maple tree? Your clues are their leaves, buds, flowers and seeds. Here’s what they look like at-a-glance:
Field maple tree facts
Hello! In today’s guide we are going to learn how to identify a beech tree. Are you ready? Let’s get started! Here are a few beech facts:
- Common name: Field maple
- Latin name: Acer campestre
- Family: Sapindaceae
Field maple trees can grow up to 20 meters tall, live for up to 350 years and can be found growing in woodlands, hedgerows, gardens, parks and scrubland.
Field maple leaves
Field maple leaves are small and have 5 lobes with softly rounded teeth. They turn a stunning gold colour in the autumn.
Field maple buds
Their buds are non-descript, small, brown and grow in opposite pairs.
Field maple flowers
The flowers are small, yellowish-green and grow in small clusters.
Field maple seeds
Field maple seeds are large, grow in pairs and have pink-tinged membranous wings.
Trees that look similar to field maple
Field maple leaf
Sycamore leaf
Sycamore
Sycamore leaves look similar to field maple leaves, but they are larger and pointier with pointy teeth.
Field maple buds
Norway maple
Norway maple
Norway maple buds look similar to field maple, but they are rounder in appearance and redder in colour.
Field maple seeds
Norway maple
Norway maple
The seeds of Norway maple also resemble field maple. But, they are closer together and have a more ragged appearance.
Field maple tree uses
- Medicinal – Field maple has traditionally been used for its astringent properties.
- Bushcraft – Field maple trees can be harvested for their sap (maple syrup)
- Wildlife – Field maple trees are of high food value to a variety of moths, bees, aphids and other insects,
- Industry – The wood of this tree is hard, dense and creamy, and often used for making musical instruments.