Acer buergerianum

RHS Plant Profile
trident maple

Other common names

三角枫 (sān jiǎo fēng), three-toothed maple

Synonyms

Acer trifidum
Acer buergerianum var. trinerve

Trees

A small, bushy tree with 3 lobed leaves, with the central lobe being the longest and giving rise to the common name of trident maple. The yellow green small flowers, appear before the leaves in early spring. The leaves are bronze in spring, later becoming deep green with a grey underside in summer and then turn red and orange in autumn. Mature trees develop an attractive red-brown flaking bark.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Sapindaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Acer can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with paired, often palmately-lobed leaves and small flowers followed by characteristic winged fruits. Many have fine autumn colour, and some have ornamental stems
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
China, Taiwan

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Ideal in small gardens, in large containers and can be used in bonsai

Propagation

Propagate by seed in mid to late autumn or spring. Take softwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1 but prune only from late autumn to midwinter

Pests

May be susceptible to Aphids

Diseases

May be susceptiblt to Verticilium wilt