A reference resource for comparative maple species identification in Central European forests.
Last updated: May 2025
MapleCrossing collects and organises morphological and ecological reference information on the maple species native to or widely naturalised in Central European forests, with particular attention to Poland. The material is intended for field botanists, forestry students, forest inventory practitioners and anyone requiring a structured reference for distinguishing Acer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus and Acer campestre in field conditions.
The content draws on published botanical literature, herbarium data accessible through public databases, and field observations documented in the scientific record. No original research is conducted or claimed on this site.
Content focuses on the three maple species that most commonly require differentiation in Polish and broader Central European forest contexts:
Coverage includes leaf morphology, samara structure, bark and twig characteristics, phenology, and forest habitat associations. The site does not cover cultivated varieties, horticultural selections or non-European maple species except where comparison is directly relevant to field identification.
All morphological descriptions are derived from published taxonomic sources and regional floras. Quantitative ranges given for leaf dimensions, samara lengths and similar characters reflect the natural variation documented in the literature for Central European populations and should not be treated as absolute boundaries. Atypical or transitional specimens exist.
Habitat and distribution information refers to naturally occurring or spontaneously established populations in Poland and neighbouring countries. Planted specimens in urban or horticultural settings may occur outside the stated habitat ranges.
Primary reference sources include:
Images are sourced from Wikimedia Commons under CC licences and linked to their original file descriptions.
For questions about content accuracy, source references or factual corrections, use the contact form on the main page. Feedback on identification errors or omissions is welcome.
The information on this site is provided for general educational and informational purposes. Field identification of plant species carries inherent uncertainty, and decisions based solely on this material are the responsibility of the user. For consequential determinations, consult authoritative herbarium material or a qualified botanist.