The Field Maple ‘Queen Elizabeth’ (Acer campestre ‘Evelyn’) is a compact and vigorous variety of the Field Maple, chosen for its resilience and beauty. Planted in Jubilee Gardens in March 2022 as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, this tree serves as a living legacy to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. With its butter-yellow autumn leaves and tolerance for urban conditions, this tree is both a practical and ornamental addition to city landscapes.
Appearance
Leaves: The small, lobed leaves are a fresh green in spring and summer, turning a striking butter yellow in the autumn, bringing vibrant colour to urban spaces.
Flowers: Tiny yellow-green flowers bloom in spring. While modest, they provide valuable nectar for bees and other pollinators.
Shape: This tree is compact and has a tidy, rounded crown, making it ideal for smaller gardens and urban parks.
Size
Field Maple ‘Queen Elizabeth’ is a relatively small tree, growing up to 8–10 meters (26–33 feet) in height with a spread of about 5–7 meters (16–23 feet). Its manageable size makes it an excellent choice for city planting and smaller spaces.
Where It Grows
The Field Maple ‘Queen Elizabeth’ thrives in a range of environments, but it is particularly well-suited to urban areas due to its tolerance for:
– Drought: Its deep root system allows it to access water during dry periods.
– Air Pollution: It thrives even in areas with poor air quality.
– Various Soils: It grows well in a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay-rich.
In Jubilee Gardens, the trees are small now but will grow and develop over the years to become part of the beautiful canopy.
Why It’s Useful
Urban Planting: Its tolerance for drought and pollution makes it ideal for city parks, gardens, and streetscapes.
Landscaping: The compact size and vibrant autumn colour add visual interest to small and large spaces alike.
Pollinator Support: The flowers provide an early source of nectar for bees and other insects in spring.
Why It’s Good for Nature
Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers support bees and insects, contributing to local biodiversity.
Wildlife Habitat: Like all maples, its dense foliage and branches provide shelter for birds and small animals.
Carbon Storage: As it grows, the Field Maple contributes to carbon sequestration, helping combat climate change.
Interesting Facts
- The Field Maple is the UK’s only native maple species and has been a part of British landscapes for centuries.
- As a symbol of resilience, the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative planted thousands of trees like these across the UK to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee.
- The butter-yellow autumn foliage of the Field Maple is a highlight, offering a splash of colour even in busy urban settings.
Learn more about the other trees in Jubilee Gardens.
