Content Detail

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.

  • Family (English) Soapberry (formerly Maple)
  • Family (botanic) Sapindaceae (formerly Aceraceae)
  • Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Restricted sites, Wide median
  • Tree or plant type Tree
  • Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Medium tree (25-40 feet)
  • Mature height 25-35 feet
  • Mature width 15-25 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
  • Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought, Road salt
  • Season of interest early winter, midwinter, early fall, mid fall, late fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
  • Shape or form Oval, Round
  • Growth rate Moderate
  • Transplants well Yes
  • Wildlife Insect pollinators
  • Has cultivars Yes

More Information

Native Geographic Location and Habitat

Trident maple is native to China and Korea.

Bark Description

The bark of trident maple is gray, becoming scaly and flaky with age. Flaking reveals the inner bark which is orange-brown. This gives the bark some ornamental appeal.

Leaf Description

Trident maple leaves are arranged in pairs (opposite). Growing 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches long with three forward-pointing lobes, the leaf has a trident shape. Dark green in summer, leaves change to yellow, orange, and red in fall. Color can vary from year to year.

Flower Description

Inconspicuous, small flowers are held in clusters in early spring.

Fruit Description

Fruit are pairs of winged seeds (samaras).

Care Knowledge

Plant Care

Avoid pruning maples in spring as they are ‘bleeders’ and will lose large quantities of sap.

Pests, Diseases, and Tolerances

Verticillium wilt is a potential problem for maples.

Cultivars

Streetwise® trident maple (Acer buergerianum ‘Streetwise’):  

New foliage emerges red-purple and then changes to green for summer. Autumn color is burgundy-red. Bark exfoliates (peels) when young.

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