Trident Maple

Acer beurgerianum, also known as the Trident Maple, is a beautiful and unusual specimen tree native to Eastern China and Taiwan. Yellow-green flowers appear in March, prior to the arrival of foliage. As the common name suggests, the leaves of this tree are tri-lobed, with the central lobe being more pronounced to form the trident. 

Upon emergence, the leaves are bronze in colour, hardening to a deeper green in the summer and finally producing a display of variable yet rarely disappointing autumn colour, from red to yellow and orange. Acer beurgerianum matures to produce an interesting brown-orange bark that flakes to leave a patchwork of colour beneath, providing interest in the winter months.

The Trident Maple prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered aspect. It is hardy to -25°C but may suffer a little dieback in UK winter conditions, which can be easily pruned out in the spring. The Trident Maple was introduced in 1890 and produces an oval tree at maturity. 

It is a useful addition to any arboretum or gardens where rare and interesting species are the order of the day!

Mature height: 7-12m

Common names

Trident Maple

Height of tree

7-12m

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Oval

Foliage Colour

Green

Information Flags

Bark interest

Looks good in

Autumn

Location

Garden

Genus

Acer

Autumn Colour

Yes