About
Acer buergerianum is a compact, bushy tree distinguished by its three-lobed leaves, where the central lobe is the most prominent, earning it the name trident maple. In early spring, before the foliage emerges, small yellow-green flowers bloom. The leaves start as a bronze hue in spring, transitioning to a deep green with a greyish underside during the summer months, and ultimately shift to shades of red and orange in the fall. As the tree matures, it features appealing red-brown bark that flakes off attractively.
About the genus
Acer consists of deciduous trees or sizable shrubs featuring pairs of leaves that are frequently palmately lobed. These plants produce small flowers that give way to distinctive winged fruits. Numerous species display vibrant autumn foliage, while certain varieties also exhibit decorative stems.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Architectural
- Native to
- China, Taiwan
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in a fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Ideal in small gardens, in large containers and can be used in bonsai
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1 but prune only from late autumn to midwinter
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in mid to late autumn or spring. Take softwood cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to Aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptiblt to Verticilium wilt