Metro Gold® Hedge Maple Tree

Metro Gold® maple (*Acer campestre* ‘Panacek’) is a deciduous field maple with a narrow, upright oval crown, dark green summer leaves, and bright yellow fall color. At about 35 feet tall and 20 feet wide, it offers a smaller footprint than a typical hedge maple and suits streets and other urban sites. ## Landscape role [J. Frank Schmidt & Son](https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/introductions/metro-gold-maple/) lists a 35-foot height, 20-foot spread, and USDA zone 5b. The [Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/hedge-maple/) gives the same mature dimensions and describes the cultivar’s narrow oval form. Its upright crown fits street plantings and compact planting strips better than the broader field-maple form. The breeder notes that it produces fewer seeds than typical hedge maple, although it still bears winged samaras. ## Foliage and seasonal interest The summer canopy is dark green; leaves turn bright yellow in autumn. Small green flowers appear in spring but are inconspicuous. The paired, winged fruits add some seasonal litter. The main ornamental value is the narrow structure and fall color rather than a showy flower display. ## Growing conditions J. Frank Schmidt lists the cultivar for USDA zone 5b. Grow it in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. [UF/IFAS](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST010) describes the parent species as tolerant of clay, sand, and loam, acidic or alkaline soil, and drought; it rates aerosol salt tolerance as moderate and advises against highly compacted sites. Those stress ratings are species-level guidance, not a separate trial of ‘Panacek’. The [Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/hedge-maple/) lists hedge maple as supporting birds and insect pollinators and flags regional spread as a site-specific concern. ## Cultivar, brand, and patent The cultivar name is ‘Panacek’; Metro Gold® is the trade name used by J. Frank Schmidt & Son. The breeder credits its selection to nurseryman Herman Panacek. The official profile does not list a plant-patent number, and I could not verify one in the sources reviewed. ## Maintenance Water regularly while the tree establishes, then irrigate during extended dry periods according to local conditions. Prune early to build a strong central structure and provide street clearance; avoid early-spring pruning because maples can bleed sap. Monitor for Verticillium wilt. Review local guidance before planting where field maple could spread.