Acer campestre ‘Queen Elizabeth’

An American selection from Lake County Nursery, Ohio and made commercially available in 1985. Acer campestre ‘Queen Elizabeth’ is a popular choice among garden designers and landscapers due to its aesthetic appeal and adaptability.

One of the standout features of the ‘Queen Elizabeth’ is its foliage. Leaves are much larger and darker than the seedling parent, but have the same shiny fronts and rounded lobes. In spring, leaves emerge with a vibrant green hue and will gradually transform to a rich, dark green during the summer months. In autumn, the foliage undergoes a spectacular transformation, turning shades of golden yellow and occasionally exhibiting hints of orange and red. They are slightly sensitive to mildew but this decreases as the tree grows.

Inconspicuous yellow-green flowers will appear in spring, adding a subtle touch of beauty to the tree. These are followed by winged fruits which provide vital interest and are often enjoyed by birds and small mammals.

The ‘Queen Elizabeth’ is a hardy tree, adaptable to a wide range of soil types including clay, loam and sandy soils. It thrives in full sun to partial-shade, and will tolerate shade. This versatility makes it a suitable tree for various landscape designs, from large gardens to parks and urban environments. Whether used as a standalone tree or as part of a hedgerow, the ‘Queen Elizabeth’ adds a touch of elegance to any landscape.