How to identify Field maple (Acer campestre)
Field maple exhibits a compact stature with a mature size up to 35 feet (10.7 meters) in height and spread. Its foliage is characterized by simple leaves with 3-5 lobes and smooth edges, deep green and pubescent on the underside. The petioles of these leaves exude a milky sap when broken. Distinctively, the samaras, or winged fruits, of field maple orient themselves horizontally, a unique feature that aids in identification.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Leaves: Opposite, simple, lobed, pubescent beneath, milky sap, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long.
Fruit: Schizocarp with two horizontal samaras, nutlet covered in fine hairs, light to medium brown.
Stem: Glabrous, light brown with corky fissures, terminal buds pubescent, lenticels prominent.
Bark: Shallow ridges, dark grey over time, rough texture, corky ridges, 20-30 inches (50-75 cm) diameter.
Flower: Small, green, 0.1-0.2 inches (2-5 mm), unscented, inconspicuous, blooms from May to June.
The leaves of field maple are opposite, simple, and measure 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long. They have 3 to 5 rounded lobes and exhibit a dull green color above with a pubescent (hairy) texture beneath. The venation is palmate, and the petioles, which contain milky sap, can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length. They sometimes turn yellow to yellow-green in the fall, usually late in the season.
Field maple flowers are small, green, and inconspicuous, typically blooming in late spring. Each flower measures about 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2 to 5 mm) in diameter. The flowers are often found in clusters, each cluster comprising multiple tiny, unscented flowers. Petals are either absent or barely noticeable. Due to their green hue, they blend seamlessly with the plant's leaves, making them less prominent. The blooming period is generally from May to June, marking the transition from spring to summer.
The stem of field maple is glabrous and light brown, featuring prominent lenticels. As the stem ages, it develops distinctive longitudinal corky fissures. The terminal buds are covered with overlapping scales that range from grayish-brown to brownish-black, with the apex often pubescent and chaffy. Lateral buds are smaller and pressed tightly against the stem. These features, particularly the corky fissures and lenticels, are crucial for identifying field maple's stem.
The fruit of field maple is a distinctive schizocarp, which separates into two samaras. These winged fruits stand out with their horizontal orientation, aiding in wind dispersal. Each samara harbors one nutlet, typically covered with fine hairs, adding a subtle pubescent texture. This textured nutlet lies at the junction where the flat, papery wing extends outward, which usually exhibits a light to medium brown hue maturing through the season. The dimensions of these fruit components allow them to catch the breeze and travel some distance from the parent tree, a clever adaptation for seed distribution. Though small, these features are quite distinguishable to the observant eye.
Scan QR code to download
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Identify a Plant Online
Scientific Classification of Field maple
