1 named cultivar

‘Queen Elizabeth’Queen Elizabeth Maple

tree RHS Award

Hedge Maple

Acer campestre

Same species

1 named cultivar

‘Queen Elizabeth’Queen Elizabeth Maple

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived tree

Native To

Europe, Western Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer campestre is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to Europe and Asia, known for its dense, rounded crown, small five-lobed leaves, and corky bark on branches. It is highly adaptable to various conditions. Its exceptional tolerance for heavy pruning, compacted soils, drought, and urban pollution makes it an outstanding choice for tough sites, formal hedges, street trees, and even bonsai.

Uses & Benefits:

Hedge Maple is a handsome, well-behaved tree with a dense, rounded canopy of attractive small leaves that turn a lovely buttery yellow in fall. Its corky, textured bark adds subtle winter interest.

Its primary use is for hedging, as it takes shearing exceptionally well. It is also one of the most durable and adaptable small trees for urban environments, thriving in sidewalk cutouts, parking lots, and under power lines.

The inconspicuous spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other insects. The dense canopy offers shelter and potential nesting sites for birds.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site; this tree tolerates almost any light and soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with the excavated soil.
Water deeply to settle the soil around the roots.
Mulch to conserve moisture, but keep it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

For the densest hedge, prune it wider at the bottom than at the top to allow sunlight to reach the lower branches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune regularly if a formal hedge is desired.
Provide supplemental water during extreme drought, even for established trees.
Allow it to grow into its natural rounded form if used as a specimen.
Rake up fallen leaves to prevent disease.

Don't

Do not plant in permanently waterlogged soil.
Avoid excessive fertilization, which is rarely needed.
Don't worry about its tolerance for tough urban conditions; it's very resilient.
Avoid major pruning in spring when the sap is flowing.

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

Tough and tidy urban street treeExcellent formal or informal hedgeSmall shade tree for compact landscapes

Companion Plants

Buxus sempervirens Taxus baccata Carpinus betulus Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' Geranium 'Rozanne'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hedge Maple questions

What zones can Hedge Maple grow in?

Hedge 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 Hedge Maple deer resistant?

Yes — Hedge Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Hedge Maple bloom?

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

Does Hedge Maple need full sun?

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

Is Hedge Maple drought tolerant?

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