Trident maple is a medium-sized tree that can be used as a street tree or specimen. The trident-shaped leaves turn shades of red and orange in autumn.
This plant has some cultivated varieties. Go to list of cultivars.
Botanical name:
All common names:
Family (English):
Family (Botanic):
Planting Site:
- Residential and parks,
- City parkway,
- Wide median,
- Restricted sites
Tree or Plant Type:
- Tree
Foliage:
- Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Landscape Uses:
- Parkway/street,
- Shade tree,
- Specimen
Size Range:
- medium tree (25-40 feet)
Mature Height:
Mature Width:
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Hardiness Zones:
- Zone 5 (Chicago),
- Zone 6,
- Zone 7,
- Zone 8,
- Zone 9
Soil Preference:
- Acid soil,
- Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances:
- Dry sites,
- Occasional drought,
- Alkaline soil,
- Road salt
Acid Soils:
- Prefers
Alkaline Soils:
- Moderately Tolerant
Salt Spray:
- Moderately Tolerant
Soil Salt:
- Tolerant
Drought Conditions:
- Tolerant
Poor Drainage:
- Intolerant
Ornamental Interest:
- Fall color,
- Attractive bark
Seasons of Interest:
- early winter,
- midwinter,
- early fall,
- mid fall,
- late fall
Flower Color & Fragrance:
- Inconspicuous
Shape or Form:
- Oval,
- Round
Growth Rate:
- Moderate
Transplants Well:
- Yes
Wildlife:
- Insect pollinators
More Information:
Tree & Plant Care
Avoid pruning maples in spring as they are 'bleeders' and will lose large quantities of sap.
Disease, pests, and problems
Verticillium wilt is a potential problem for maples.
Native geographic location and habitat
Native to China and Korea.
Bark color and texture
Bark is gray, becoming scaly and flaky with age. Flaking reveals inner bark which is orange-brown. The bark has some ornamental appeal.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture
Leaves are arranged in pairs (opposite); 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches long with three forward-pointing lobes giving a trident shape to the leaf. Dark green in summer, changing to yellow, orange and red in fall. Color can vary from year to year.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size
Inconspicuous; small flowers held in clusters in early spring.
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions
Fruit are pairs of winged seeds (samaras).
Cultivars and their differences
Streetwise® trident maple (Acer buergerianum 'Streetwise'): New foliage emerges red-purle and then changes to green for summer. Autumn color is a good burgundy red. Bark exfoliates (peels) when young.