It is native to much of continental Europe, Britain, southwest Asia from Turkey to the Caucasus, and north Africa in the Atlas Mountains.

It has been widely planted, and is introduced outside its native range in Europe and areas of USA and Western Australia with suitable climate.

Usually monoecious, the flowers are produced in spring at the same time as the leaves open, yellow-green, in erect clusters 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 in) across, and are insect-pollinated.

[3][4] The two varieties, not accepted as distinct by all authorities, are:[3][5] The closely related Acer miyabei replaces it in eastern Asia.

[3] The native range of field maple includes much of Europe, including Denmark, Poland and Belarus, England north to southern Scotland (where it is the only native maple), southwest Asia from Turkey to the Caucasus, and north Africa in the Atlas Mountains.

The shrubby habit and smallish leaves of A. campestre respond well to techniques encouraging ramification and leaf reduction.