Acer Campestre Nanum Dwarf Field Maple

Acer Campestre Nanum is also known as Acer Campestre Compactum, or commonly referred to as the Dwarf Field Maple. This is a hardy, beautiful tree that is perfect for smaller gardens. It brings plenty of character and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Acer Campestre Nanum is a cultivar of the Acer Campestre Field Maple, and was developed because Field Maple was too large for most gardens in the UK. It was first introduced here in the late 1830s and has become a firm favourite for its compact, rounded-head and small crown. The Dwarf Field Maple will grow between 3-7 metres depending on growing conditions, and its crown will spread no more than 3 metres. It is a good choice for smaller spaces with its well-balanced proportions.

In spring small, dark-green lobed leaves, measuring around 4-6 cm are produced in a thick dense crown. Alongside these leaves sprout small, inconspicuous flowers in a yellowy-green shade which attract a range of pollinators. The crown lasts throughout the summer providing cover for birds as well as garden shade. In autumn, winged seeds twist to the ground as the foliage turns an attractive shade of yellow before falling with the onset of winter.

How Hardy Is Acer Campestre Nanum
Despite its smaller size Acer Campestre Nanum is just as tough as its parent tree. It will tolerate sub-zero winters and drought in the hot months once established. It is also tolerant of pollution.

How To Use Acer Campestre Nanum
This cultivar of maple is very slow-growing, so it won’t dominate a compact space within a few years. It grows well as a border tree, or as a specimen in the centre of the lawn. In urban areas it makes a good pollution-tolerant summer screen along fence line. They also grow well in large containers if you are able to water and feed them regularly.

How To Care For Acer Campestre Nanum
Once established the Dwarf Field Maple is self sufficient, tolerating drought, snows, and pollution, but younger newly planted specimens will need plenty of water until they have put down strong roots.

Any soil suits this tough little cultivar from chalky to clay conditions. Treat it to a yearly application of thick organic mulch to boost health, and remove any broken or crossed branches in the winter months. There is no need to regularly prune this tree as it grows in a pleasing rounded-head without inference.

The Dwarf Field Maple is small, tough and beautiful. You don’t need to go without a tree if you have a small garden or a patio – this is a top choice for tree-friendly compact spaces.