Queen Elizabeth Hedge Maple Tree

Acer campestre ‘Queen Elizabeth’ is an upright selection of field maple with larger dark green leaves and clear yellow autumn color. It is used as a street and shade tree, but allow substantial room: UF/IFAS gives a mature height and spread of about 30–35 feet, while RHS describes a relatively narrow crown and lists a smaller spread range. ## Landscape use and appearance The branches angle upward to form a regular, upright-rounded crown. The three- or five-lobed leaves are larger and darker than those of typical field maple, then turn buttery yellow in fall. Small green flowers appear in spring and are followed by winged samaras. Its dependable shape and manageable size for a shade tree suit residential streets, parking areas, medium gardens, and informal screening. It can provide patio or yard shade, though it is too large for planting directly beneath many power lines. See the [RHS cultivar profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/65487/acer-campestre-queen-elizabeth/details) and [UF/IFAS landscape guidance](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST011) for the differing mature-size estimates. ## Growing conditions UF/IFAS rates this cultivar for **USDA zones 6A–8A** and full sun to partial shade. It tolerates clay, sand, and loam, as well as acidic or alkaline soil, provided drainage is good. The Extension profile rates drought tolerance high once established; water new trees regularly as roots develop, then adjust irrigation to rainfall, soil, and heat. It also reports **moderate aerosol salt tolerance**. That describes salt carried in coastal air and does not establish tolerance of saline soil. Avoid highly compacted planting sites and give the crown some shelter from strong open winds. ## Cultivar, brand, and patent J. Frank Schmidt & Son lists Queen Elizabeth™ Maple as *Acer campestre* ‘Evelyn’; the [RHS also lists ‘Evelyn’ as a synonym](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/65487/acer-campestre-queen-elizabeth/details). A nursery specification cross-references this cultivar with U.S. Plant Patent **PP4,392**. The [patent record](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP4392P/en) names J. Frank Schmidt III as inventor, describes an upright hedge maple, and lists the patent as expired. View the cultivar on [JFS Introductions](https://jfschmidt.com/trees/all-trees/jfs-introductions/) and the [supplier specification](https://www.siteone.com/en/60181b-acer-campestre-queen-elizabeth-hedge-maple/p/786668). ## Maintenance Plan for **moderate maintenance** while the tree is young. Early structural pruning helps develop well-spaced scaffold branches and a strong central trunk; once established, little routine pruning is needed beyond removing damaged branches or maintaining clearance over sidewalks and vehicles. Keep soil well drained and un-compacted, and water during establishment and extended dry spells. UF/IFAS notes that serious pest problems are uncommon, though the species is susceptible to Verticillium wilt; avoid planting in soil known to be infested.