Species

Acer campestreHedge Maple

1 other cultivar

‘Queen Elizabeth’Queen Elizabeth Maple

tree

Hedge Maple 'Elsrijk'

Acer campestre 'Elsrijk'

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer campestre, the hedge maple, is a deciduous tree native to Europe, Northwest Africa, and Western Asia that develops a dense, rounded canopy. The species tolerates compacted urban soils, wind, and air pollution, making it highly adaptable for street plantings and hedges.

'Elsrijk' is distinguished by its naturally tight, uniform, narrowly oval to pyramidal silhouette that requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape. Its lobed green leaves emerge with reddish margins in spring before turning a rich butterscotch-yellow in fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers a highly uniform, compact canopy and striking butterscotch-yellow fall foliage.

Tolerates soil compaction, wind, and urban air pollution, making it an excellent street tree.

Provides nesting sites for songbirds and supports generalist pollinators with spring flowers.

SpeciesAcer campestreHedge Maple

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

472"

Width

315"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Over 50 years

Native To

Europe, Northwest Africa, Western Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, ensuring the root flare sits slightly above the soil line.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Never prune this tree in spring when the sap is actively running; heavy bleeding stresses the plant and invites disease.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune exclusively in late autumn or winter to prevent sap bleeding.
Water during prolonged summer dry spells to support young trees.
Inspect root systems of containerized stock for girdling before planting.

Don't

Do not prune in spring when sap is actively running.
Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged sites where root rot can develop.
Do not over-fertilize, as this tree thrives in moderate soils and rarely needs supplemental nutrients.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Street TreeHedgeSpecimen TreeShade TreeWindbreak

Companion Plants

Buxus sempervirens Taxus baccata Geranium maculatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hedge Maple 'Elsrijk' questions

What zones can Hedge Maple 'Elsrijk' grow in?

Hedge Maple 'Elsrijk' 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 Hedge Maple 'Elsrijk' deer resistant?

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

When does Hedge Maple 'Elsrijk' bloom?

Hedge Maple 'Elsrijk' typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hedge Maple 'Elsrijk' need full sun?

Hedge Maple 'Elsrijk' does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Hedge Maple 'Elsrijk' drought tolerant?

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