Acer campestre ‘Elsrijk’

This cultivar was initially developed by the Dutch garden architect, Chris P. Broerse, who was a pioneer in planting species that could thrive together in challenging, marshy conditions. When designing the public green spaces in the Amstelveen district, he sought trees with an narrow, upright canopy that could flourish in specific Dutch environments. After identifying two Field Maples in the Elsrijk area that more or less met these criteria, he commenced his first cultivations in 1937. By 1953, the final Elsrijk specimen was chosen and has since become a highly favoured choice for lining streets and avenues throughout Holland.

In spring, young leaves emerge a vivid green with red tinged edges and mature into a mid-green shade in summer. Come autumn, leaves will transition into a stunning butterscotch yellow with hues of orange. Leaves are slightly smaller than the species.

Notably well-suited for urban environments, the Acer campestre ‘Elsrijk’ with its upright canopy, serves as an excellent street tree option. It will tolerate paving, pollution, and drought. For a more compact and uniformed version cultivated in the UK, consider the Acer campestre ‘Streetwise’.