tree

Trident Maple

Name: Trident Maple
Brand: Acer
Availability: InStock

Acer buergerianum

$95.00

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Loved by Designers

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

Long-lived

Native To

Eastern China, Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer buergerianum is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to eastern China and Japan. It is distinguished by its three-lobed leaves, reminiscent of a trident, and its tolerance for a wide range of growing conditions. The Trident Maple is highly prized for its attractive exfoliating bark, which becomes mottled with gray, orange, and brown patches as the tree matures. It has a graceful, often multi-stemmed habit, and its variable but often beautiful fall color ranges from yellow and orange to deep red. It is also a premier species for bonsai.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Trident Maple is a tree of refined, year-round beauty. Its three-lobed leaves create a delicate texture in summer, followed by a variable but often striking fall color display. However, its greatest asset is the handsome, exfoliating bark that provides immense visual interest during the winter months. Its graceful form makes it a superb specimen tree.

This tree's tolerance of drought, clay soil, and urban pollution makes it an incredibly tough and versatile choice for difficult planting sites, such as street-side tree lawns or parking lot islands. Its smaller stature allows it to be used in residential yards and under utility lines where larger trees would not fit. It is also a classic and forgiving subject for the art of bonsai.

The inconspicuous spring flowers provide a source of pollen and nectar for bees. The dense canopy offers shade and shelter for birds. As a tough urban tree, it contributes to cooling cityscapes, reducing stormwater runoff, and improving air quality in challenging environments.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Sooner Plant Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$95.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun or light shade with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper.
Gently place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is visible.
Backfill with the excavated soil, breaking up any large clumps.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

Water deeply but infrequently once established to encourage a deep, drought-tolerant root system and enhance its natural toughness.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide supplemental water during extended droughts, especially when young.
Prune when young to develop a strong branching structure.
Allow space for its mature size.
Appreciate its beautiful bark, especially in the winter.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or constantly wet soils.
Avoid planting too deep; keep the root flare at or above soil level.
Don't fertilize heavily, as this can lead to weak growth.
Avoid major pruning in spring when sap flow is heavy.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent small-scale shade or street treeBeautiful specimen tree for winter bark interestWorld-class subject for bonsai cultivation

Companion Plants

Cercis canadensis Cornus kousa Viburnum plicatum tomentosum 'Mariesii' Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'

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.