Acer Campestre (Field Maple)

Description

A familiar sight, both in gardens and in British hedgerows, this attractive deciduous native tree is clad in deep green maple foliage, which changes to dazzling bright gold and yellows in late summer and autumn. But it is grown as much for its incredible seeds as for its foliage. The first gales of autumn loosen the bunches of amazing propeller-like seeds, which fly in all directions like miniature helicopters. Children (and even some adults!) delight in throwing them up into the air to see how far they can fly!

Sowing Advice

These seeds may need a further period of stratification to break their dormancy. Soak for 24 hours then place them in a sealed freezer bag in the fridge keeping them moist for a week or two. The seeds can then be sown and should germinate normally in a safe, bright, cold place outdoors, but can take up to 6 months or even longer so do not discard the seed pot. Alternatively sow the seed in a moist seed tray and leave outside over the winter to allow for natural stratification to occur.

Key Facts