Species

Acer campestreHedge Maple

tree

Queen Elizabeth Maple

Acer campestre 'Queen Elizabeth'

Same species

Species

Acer campestreHedge Maple

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

420 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Europe, Western Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer campestre, the Hedge or Field Maple, is a tough, adaptable, medium-sized deciduous tree native to Europe and western Asia. It's known for its dense canopy of small, five-lobed leaves and its tolerance of a wide range of growing conditions. 'Queen Elizabeth' ('Evelyn') is a vigorous, upright cultivar with a more uniform, oval to rounded crown than the species. It has larger, darker green leaves and displays a reliable, clear yellow fall color, making it an excellent street tree.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A handsome and reliable shade tree with a neat, dense canopy and attractive, clear yellow fall color. Its corky bark can add minor winter interest. The uniform shape of 'Queen Elizabeth' makes it excellent for formal plantings.

Extremely tolerant of urban conditions, including air pollution, compacted soil, and drought, making it an excellent street or parking lot tree. It also takes well to heavy pruning and can be used for tall, formal hedging.

The small, inconspicuous flowers provide an early nectar and pollen source for bees. The dense canopy offers shelter and nesting sites for birds. It is a larval host for the Imperial Moth.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun or partial shade.
This tree is highly adaptable to most soil types except very wet ones.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Plant with the root flare at or slightly above ground level.
Backfill, water thoroughly to remove air pockets.
Mulch around the base, but not touching the trunk.

Pro Tip

An excellent choice for tough urban sites where other trees might struggle due to pollution, compacted soil, or drought.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly for the first year to establish.
Prune to develop a strong structure when the tree is young.
Appreciate its tolerance of a wide range of soil pH.
Provide space for its mature size.

Don't

Don't plant in waterlogged, poorly drained areas.
Avoid major pruning that would ruin its natural form once mature.
Don't worry about minor aphid infestations; they rarely cause significant harm.
Don't plant where its roots can damage sidewalks.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable street or parking lot treeUniform shade tree for lawnsTall screening or formal hedge

Companion Plants

Hosta Geranium maculatum Hydrangea arborescens Vinca minor Carex pensylvanica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Queen Elizabeth Maple questions

What zones can Queen Elizabeth Maple grow in?

Queen Elizabeth Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Queen Elizabeth Maple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Queen Elizabeth Maple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Queen Elizabeth Maple bloom?

Queen Elizabeth Maple typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Queen Elizabeth Maple need full sun?

Queen Elizabeth Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Queen Elizabeth Maple drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Queen Elizabeth Maple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.