Trident maple is a slow-growing, deciduous tree native to China, Korea, and Japan that brings refined elegance to temperate gardens in zones 5, 9. Its distinctive three-lobed, glossy green leaves turn shades of dark red and orange in fall, while exfoliating bark adds winter interest. Growing to 20, 30 feet tall and wide with a naturally rounded form, this small maple thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates urban conditions well, making it an excellent choice for both shade and street tree plantings.
Partial Sun
Moderate
5-9
360in H x 360in W
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Moderate
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The triangular, three-lobed leaves stay glossy green throughout the growing season before pivoting to rich autumn reds and oranges. Limbs may occasionally suffer winter damage from heavy snow or ice, but this minor vulnerability is far outweighed by the tree's remarkable toughness in city gardens and its carefree, low-maintenance disposition. Year-round visual interest flows seamlessly from spring's greenish-yellow flowers through exfoliating bark that reveals character as the tree matures.
Trident maple serves as an excellent shade tree for residential and urban landscapes, providing filtered light beneath its canopy while maintaining a manageable size. Its tolerance of city conditions makes it particularly valuable as a street tree, where it endures compacted soils, air pollution, and the stresses typical of urban environments. The rounded crown and elegant branching structure provide architectural interest even in winter, after the leaves have fallen.
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“Acer buergerianum originates in East Asia, where it has grown naturally across China, Korea, and Japan for centuries. The common name 'trident maple' references the tree's distinctive three-lobed leaf shape, which resembles a trident's prongs. As ornamental horticulture expanded in the Western world, this species was recognized for its adaptability to urban environments and compact growth habit, making it a valued addition to parks, streets, and gardens far from its native range.”