Species

Acer buergerianumTrident Maple

2 other cultivars

tree

Trident Maple

Acer buergerianum 'Aeryn'

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer buergerianum, native to eastern China and Taiwan, is a deciduous tree growing up to 40 feet tall with a dense, rounded canopy and exfoliating gray, tan, and orange bark. The three-lobed leaves emerge with reddish tints in spring before maturing to deep green and turning shades of orange, yellow, and red in fall.

'Aeryn' is propagated on its own roots rather than grafted, eliminating graft incompatibility failures and ensuring uniform branching structure. The foliage exhibits superior heat and drought scorch resistance compared to most other maples.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers multi-season interest with spring red flushes, glossy summer leaves, vibrant fall color, and exfoliating winter bark.

Tolerates urban soil compaction, road salt, and summer heat better than most maple species.

Provides nesting shelter and branch cover for songbirds while supplying seeds to small wildlife.

SpeciesAcer buergerianumTrident Maple

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

480"

Width

300"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate humidity tolerance

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

China, Taiwan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal to its depth.
Position the tree so the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil grade.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle air pockets.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk bark.

Pro Tip

Plant in sites with oxygen-rich, free-draining soil rather than low-lying wet depressions, as trident maples require soil drainage to avoid root rot despite their clay tolerance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons until the root system is established.
Prune while dormant in late winter to establish a strong central leader and structural scaffold.

Don't

Do not plant in soggy, poorly drained basins where water collects for prolonged periods.
Do not prune heavily during late spring when sap flow causes heavy bleeding from cut stems.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Lawn specimen treeUrban street treeShade tree for courtyards and patios

Companion Plants

Cornus florida Heuchera Hakonechloa macra Carex oshimensis

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 spring through 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.