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trident maple (Acer buergerianum)

Acer buergerianum is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that can be grown as bonsai.

LightAcer buergerianum grows in full sun to partial sun.
WaterIt prefers moist but well-drained soil, tolerates a range of soil moisture conditions, and has drought tolerance.
TemperatureAcer buergerianum is generally frost hardy.
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trident maple illustration

Overview

Acer buergerianum is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that can be grown as bonsai.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range: it occurs in eastern to southeastern China and Taiwan, while some sources also include Japan in its distribution or native range; TaiCOL confirms native populations in Taiwan. It is reported to grow in broadleaf forests and is also widely cultivated as a street tree, park tree, and horticultural plant. It is reported to be suitable for cultivation in temperate regions and can also grow in warmer areas.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature height, placing it at about 500–2000 cm, while a limited source reports a mature spread of about 400–800 cm. Sources differ on growth rate, describing it as slow to moderate or fast. The opposite, simple leaves are usually three-lobed, with mostly triangular, forward-pointing lobes; they are glossy green to dark green above and paler, sometimes powdery or gray-green beneath, while leaves on young trees or vigorous shoots can be more deeply lobed with more conspicuous serrations, and autumn foliage can turn red, orange, or yellow. The small flowers range from yellow-green or pale yellow to yellow-white and are borne in corymb-like inflorescences; sources differ on flower details, including reports of male and bisexual flowers, and on flowering timing in spring; the fruit is reported to be a paired winged fruit composed of two winged seeds, with wings usually nearly parallel, forward-pointing, or forming an acute angle, and it matures or fruits in autumn.

Light

Acer buergerianum grows in full sun to partial sun.

Watering

It prefers moist but well-drained soil, tolerates a range of soil moisture conditions, and has drought tolerance.

Temperature and dormancy

Acer buergerianum is generally frost hardy.

Growing medium and mounting

It favors fertile, moist but well-drained soil and can adapt to clay, loam, sand, and chalky soils; NC State also notes a preference for generally well-drained acidic soil.

Propagation

It can be propagated from seed; RHS recommends sowing from mid-autumn to late autumn or in spring, and softwood cuttings can also be taken in early summer.

Common problems

Potential pests include aphids and pests commonly affecting maples. Verticillium wilt may occur. Branches are reported to be susceptible to breakage, and Verticillium wilt is also a concern. It is reported to tolerate wind, salt, drought, air pollution, and soil compaction.

Identification

Typical leaves have three forward-pointing lobes resembling a trident; mature bark becomes fissured or peels in plates, and autumn leaves are often red to orange.

Photos

Acer buergerianum
📷 No machine-readable author provided. Abrahami assumed (based · CC BY-SA 2.5 · source
Acer buergerianum
📷 Hurricanefan24 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Acer buergerianum
📷 no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子 · CC0 · source

Sources