Maple Tree Trident

The Trident Maple Tree has small, triangular lobed green foliage the turns beautiful tones of red to yellow in autumn. Tolerates most conditions.

Acer buergerianum – Trident Maple Tree

Acer buergerianum, commonly known as the Trident Maple, is a deciduous tree native to China, Taiwan, and Japan. It is widely admired for its ornamental foliage, smooth exfoliating bark, and stunning autumn colors. It is a popular choice for bonsai, street trees, and garden landscapes due to its adaptability and elegant form.

Key Features of Acer buergerianum

1. Foliage:

   • Leaves are trident-shaped (hence the name “Trident Maple”) with three lobes.
   • Glossy green in spring and summer, turning into shades of orange, red, and yellow in autumn.

2. Growth Habit:

   • A small to medium-sized tree, growing up to 6-12 meters (20-40 feet) in height with a spread of about 5-8 meters (16-26 feet).
   • Develops a rounded to oval canopy with an elegant branching structure.

3. Bark:

   • Smooth, grayish-brown bark that peels in patches to reveal an orange-brown underlayer, adding year-round interest.

4. Flowers & Fruits:

   • Small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers appear in spring.
   • Produces samaras (winged seeds) in late summer, often in pairs.

5. Soil & Conditions:

   • Adapts well to various soil types but prefers well-draining, fertile soil.
   • Tolerant of clay, loam, or sandy soils.
   • Moderate drought tolerance once established.

6. Sunlight Requirements:

   • Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
   • Best autumn colors develop with full sun exposure.

7. Hardiness:

   • Hardy, suitable for temperate and subtropical climates.
   • Withstands urban pollution and compacted soils, making it a good street tree.

Uses & Benefits

✅ Bonsai Cultivation: One of the most popular maples for bonsai, due to its small leaves, strong growth, and ability to develop an aged appearance quickly.
✅ Ornamental Tree: Perfect for gardens, parks, and streetscapes due to its compact size and attractive bark.
✅ Shade & Street Tree: Used as a shade tree in urban environments because of its tolerance to pollution and compacted soils.
✅ Autumn Interest: Provides brilliant autumn color, making it a great choice for seasonal landscapes.
✅ Wildlife Friendly: Provides habitat and food for birds and pollinators.

Care Tips

• Watering: Regular watering when young; once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering in dry periods.
• Pruning: Can be pruned to maintain shape, especially in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage strong growth.
• Mulching: A layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Acer buergerianum (Trident Maple Tree) is a versatile, low-maintenance tree that offers year-round beauty. Whether as a bonsai, a garden specimen, or a street tree, its stunning autumn colors and unique bark make it a standout choice! 🍁🌳