Trident Maple Tree

Trident maple (*Acer buergerianum*) is a small-to-medium deciduous shade tree known for three-lobed leaves, peeling orange-brown bark, and red-orange fall color. Its rounded crown and tolerance of urban conditions make it useful for patios, small lawns, streetscapes, and bonsai; allow room for a mature tree roughly 25–45 feet tall. ## Landscape role Mature dimensions vary by source and growing conditions: [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/acer-buergerianum/common-name/three-toothed-maple/) gives 25–35 feet tall by 20–30 feet wide, while [UF/IFAS](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST009) reports 30–45 feet tall by about 25 feet wide. The crown is rounded or oval and often starts low with several stems. Selective early pruning can develop a single trunk where clearance is needed. This species is also a classic bonsai subject and can grow in a large container. ## Leaves, flowers, and bark The three forward-pointing leaf lobes give the tree its common name. New leaves may be bronze, turn glossy green for summer, then shift to variable yellow, orange, or red in autumn. Small yellow-green flowers appear before or with the new leaves in early spring. The gray-brown bark flakes with age to reveal warm orange-brown patches, giving the bare tree winter interest. [RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/163/acer-buergerianum/details) describes the seasonal foliage and early flowers; [NC State](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/acer-buergerianum/common-name/three-toothed-maple/) also notes its rounded form and exfoliating bark. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. The species grows in acidic through neutral soils and tolerates a range of textures. [UF/IFAS lists USDA zones 4B–9B](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST009), while NC State lists 5A–9B, so suitability at the cold edge may vary by site. Established trees have moderate drought tolerance and tolerate wind, salt aerosol, air pollution, and compacted urban soil. Salt tolerance here does not establish tolerance of saline soil. Trident maple is native to East Asia. ## Cultivar and patent status This listing describes the species rather than a named cultivar. Cultivar-specific size, foliage, breeder, brand, and plant-patent details should not be applied to it. ## Maintenance Water consistently while the tree establishes, then adjust irrigation to rainfall, soil, and summer heat. Most trees need little routine care once established, though early structural pruning helps prevent competing leaders and weak branch unions. Prune in the dormant season; avoid spring pruning when maple sap may bleed. Verticillium wilt can affect maples, though serious pest and disease problems are uncommon. [RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/163/acer-buergerianum/details) gives pruning guidance, and [UF/IFAS](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST009) discusses structure and disease susceptibility.