Acer campestre Nanum - Maple

Acer campestre 'Nanum', better known as the dwarf field maple, is an old variety that is characterised by a naturally dense and round crown, which requires no pruning. With its small dimensions, it is grafted onto a trunk of varying height, depending on whether you want a small tree or a large bush. Its large palmately-lobed foliage with its bright autumn colours and its spherical, closed shape make it an ideal plant for adding height to a terrace or structuring a small garden. Its dense branches are appreciated by birds, who see it as the perfect place to build their nest. It is a perfectly hardy and drought-resistant tree once established and can be easily grown in full sun or partial shade in deep, ordinary, neutral to alkaline soil.

Originally from Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa, Acer campestre is a forest tree rather than a field tree. The 'Nanum' variety has been commercially available since 1839 and is distinguished by its compact growth and round, dense shape. It has a medium growth rate, reaching an average height of 3m (10ft) (or 6m (20ft) depending on the height of the graft point), and forming a 3m (10ft) wide crown in our gardens. This species can live for well over a century. Over time, this species can develop multiple intertwined trunks, each carrying a dense canopy. Its deciduous green foliage is slightly satin-like and is composed of small leaves, measuring 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) long, with 3 to 5 lobes. Milky sap often oozes from the leaves of this species. In autumn and with the onset of cold weather, the foliage turns yellow-gold, varying from coppery to bronze. Discreet flowering takes place in spring, at the same time as the leaves emerge. The small flowers are greenish and grouped in corymbs. They are followed by winged fruits, often reddish, called samaras. The wings of this fruit are opposite and perfectly aligned. The field maple forms the hardest wood that can be found in this genus. Its bark is pale grey and fissured. The branches of young specimens often show a corky, channelled, insulating, ribbed bark, used to make perches for poultry. It should be noted that when it grows near to Acer monspessulanum (Montpellier maple), the two species hybridise very easily.

Acer campestre is easy to grow and thrives in any ordinary soil, even limestone, as long as it is deep enough. It will be enhanced when placed in the centre of a flower shrub border, which will provide colour from spring to summer. 'Nanum' is especially suitable for small gardens and can even be grown in containers. Its compact and symmetrical shape is perfect for creating focal points that punctuate borders and structure pathways, or for forming dense hedges that provide refuge for many animals. In a rural hedge, it can be planted with deciduous euonymus, Carpinus 'Orange Retz', Cotinus, hawthorns, ornamental apple trees, or its cousin, the Montpellier maple. Plant small shade-loving perennials (lamium, Epimedium, Geranium macrorrhizum, Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Niger') at its base to enjoy its beautiful bark and flamboyant autumn colours.