Hedge maple (Not recommended) | The Morton Arboretum

Although hedge maples have invasive traits that enable them to spread aggressively, there is insufficient supporting research to declare them so pervasive that they cannot be recommended for any planting sites. Review of risks should be undertaken before selecting these trees for planting sites. Hedge maple is a broad-rounded tree that is useful as a specimen or in groups as a hedge. It can tolerate part shade, especially when young, and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is relatively salt-tolerant, so it can be used near sidewalks and driveways. The leaves turn greenish yellow in fall.

Family (English) Soapberry (formerly Maple)
Family (botanic) Sapindaceae (formerly Aceraceae)
Tree or plant type Tree
Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native locale Non-native
Size range Medium tree (25-40 feet)
Mature height 25-35 feet
Mature width 25-35 feet
Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
Soil preference Alkaline soil, Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites, Road salt
Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
Shape or form Round
Growth rate Moderate
Transplants well Yes
Planting considerations Aggressive, Commonly planted
Wildlife Birds, Insect pollinators, Small mammals
Has cultivars Yes

Size and form:

Hedge maples are a broadly rounded tree that reaches 25 to 35 feet tall and wide.

Native geographic location and habitat:

It is native to Europe and Africa.

Attracts birds and other pollinators:

It attracts birds, insect pollinators, and small mammals.

Bark color and texture:

The bark is dark gray to gray-black and is lightly ridged and furrowed.

Leaf description:

Hedge maples have dark green, lobed, simple leaves in pairs (opposite) that are 2 to 4 inches long. The leaves turn mild yellow to yellow-green in the fall.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size description:

The tree produces green clustered flowers that are fairly inconspicuous.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:

The fruit are winged seeds in pairs (samaras) that are spread at a 180 degree angle from one another.

Plant care:

Hedge maples have invasive traits that enable them to spread aggressively. It can tolerate part shade, especially when young, and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is relatively salt-tolerant, so it can be used near sidewalks and driveways. Avoid pruning in early spring as maples are ‘bleeders’ and will lose large amounts of sap.