Acer Buergerianum Trident Maple

Acer Buergerianum
Acer Buergerianum is better known as the Trident Maple due to its three-lobed leaves. It’s a particularly interesting Acer that’s small in size with contrasting large foliage.
Trident Maple is a small-sized bushy deciduous tree that was introduced from East China and Korea in 1890. It’s instantly recognisable 3.5 inch long trident foliage emerges bronze before maturing into a deep glossy green with a paler green tone beneath. Like almost all acers, Buergerianum has stunning autumn foliage in red and orange shades but it’s especially long-lived, clinging on after the first frosts have de-leafed other acers.

Understated yellow-green flowers appear during April and May and while you may not notice them, the pollinators will. Flowers mature in samaras measuring up to an inch long during the autumn.
Young trees have pale bark and as they grow the trunks mature into a browny-orange that flakes away in winter to reveal a rainbow of earthy tones beneath.
This is an excellent choice of tree for more compact gardens as it doesn’t get too big.

Height and Spread of Acer Buergerianum
Trident Maple will reach a maximum height of 7-12 metres and produce an oval-shaped canopy with plenty of light and space beneath. It has a particularly slow-growing habit taking 10-20 years to reach its maximum height.

How Hardy Is Acer Buergerianum
Trident Maple is a tough little tree that can survive down to -25 degrees in a sheltered spot with well-drained roots.

How to Use Acer Buergerianum
This tree is a perfect specimen tree for smaller gardens. It provides interest all year round and doesn’t outgrow it’s welcome.

A row of Trident Maples along a fence line provides summer shade and privacy with flaming autumn colours. In winter, the peeling bark and well-shaped trunk bring structure that glints in early morning frosts.

How To Care For Acer Buergerianum
Once established this tree needs little maintenance. Plant it in a sheltered position to retain the leaves into late autumn and ensure newly planted trees are well watered.
Trident Maple tolerates most well-drained soils including chalk, and there is no need to prune as it holds a pleasing shape all year round.
A thick layer of mulch around the base will boost the tree’s colour and ensure a healthy growing season, but that’s as much as you need to do for this tough and pretty maple tree.