tree

Trident Maple

Acer buergerianum 'Aeryn Trident'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

60-100 years

Native To

China, Japan, Taiwan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Trident Maple is a small to medium deciduous tree, highly regarded for its three-lobed leaves, tolerance of urban conditions, and attractive exfoliating bark. It develops a rounded canopy and offers variable but often spectacular fall color. 'Aeryn' is likely a trade name for a selection noted for a uniform, upright growth habit and consistently vibrant orange-red fall color. The species is famously used for bonsai due to its small leaves and rugged character.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Trident Maple is a superb ornamental tree, celebrated for its handsome three-lobed leaves, striking fall colors of orange and red, and most notably, its mottled, exfoliating bark that provides significant winter interest. Its small stature makes it suitable for a wide range of garden sizes.

Its high tolerance for drought, compacted soil, and air pollution makes it an outstanding choice for difficult urban environments like street medians, parking lots, and small city yards. It can also be pruned and maintained as a dense screen or hedge.

The small spring flowers provide a nectar source for bees. Its dense canopy offers shelter and potential nesting sites for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sun.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; it tolerates a wide pH range.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the tree so the top of the root ball is slightly above ground level.
Backfill with existing soil and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
Mulch around the tree, but keep mulch away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Water deeply but infrequently once established to encourage a deep, drought-tolerant root system. This tree thrives on a bit of neglect.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune while young to develop a good branching structure.
Water consistently during its first few years in the landscape.
Allow the beautiful, exfoliating bark to develop naturally.
Select a planting site that accommodates its mature spread.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or constantly wet soils.
Avoid excessive pruning once the tree is mature.
Don't pile mulch against the trunk, as this can cause rot.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which can force weak growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent small-scale street or patio treeArtistic specimen for bonsai or courtyardsDurable choice for parking lot islands and urban parks

Companion Plants

Cercis canadensis Fothergilla gardenii Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' Geranium 'Rozanne' Cornus kousa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Trident Maple questions

What zones can Trident Maple grow in?

Trident Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Trident Maple deer resistant?

Yes — Trident Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Trident Maple bloom?

Trident Maple typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Trident Maple need full sun?

Trident Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Trident Maple drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Trident Maple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.