Three-flowered maple is a small deciduous tree native to East Asia, prized for its architectural beauty rather than flowers or fruit. Growing 25 to 30 feet tall with a densely branched, rounded crown, this hardy tree thrives in zones 4 through 7 and delivers year-round visual interest: medium green trifoliate leaves that blaze orange to red each autumn, ash-brown bark that exfoliates in vertical strips to expose striking orange-brown inner wood, and delicate greenish-yellow flowers clustered in threes each April. It asks for moderate moisture and low maintenance, making it a rewarding choice for gardeners seeking ornamental character without constant fussing.
Partial Sun
Moderate
4-7
360in H x 360in W
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Moderate
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The exfoliating bark is the star here, revealing warm orange-brown layers beneath as the tree matures, creating visual drama even in winter when most ornamentals fade to gray. Spring brings clustered flowers in threes, modest in appearance but charming in their delicate geometry. Fall transforms the canopy into shades of vibrant orange and red, while the dense, rounded crown provides natural structure to any landscape without demanding heavy pruning.
Three-flowered maple serves primarily as an ornamental shade and specimen tree, valued for its distinctive four-season interest: exfoliating winter bark, spring flowers, summer foliage, and autumn color. Its compact size and densely branched form make it suited to residential landscapes where larger maples would overwhelm the space.
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Three-flowered maple requires minimal pruning due to its naturally dense, rounded form. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain good structure and air circulation, but avoid heavy heading cuts that would destroy its elegant silhouette. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
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