FIELD MAPLE

Field maple is found throughout the British Isles, and it is especially common on the chalk, limestone and boulder clay soils of southern England. It normally forms a small tree up to fifty feet or more in an open setting or woodland, and is very common in hedgerows.

Field maple is a native tree, characteristic of ancient woodlands, and is often found growing in association with ash and English oak.

The leaves are relatively small, and are arranged in opposite pairs. They turn yellow and crimson in the autumn.

The seeds or ‘keys’ are found in thick bunches and are green at first turning to brown when ripe. Field maple produces a dense hard wood that is used for carving and making bowls, plates and walking sticks.