Acer Buergeranum

Trident Maple

Acer buergerianum (Trident Maple) is a versatile, medium-sized deciduous tree valued for its clean three-lobed leaves, excellent structure, and outstanding adaptability. Leaves emerge bright green in spring, remain fresh through summer, and turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow in fall.

One of its standout features is the attractive exfoliating bark, which peels with age to reveal mottled shades of gray, tan, and orange, providing strong winter interest. The tree develops a rounded to spreading canopy with good branch strength and a naturally pleasing form.

Trident maple thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to a wide range of soils, including clay, provided drainage is adequate. It tolerates heat, drought, urban conditions, and pruning, making it a reliable landscape tree and one of the most popular species for bonsai.

Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9.

Mature size:



Height: 25–35 ft



Width: 20–30 ft



Ideal for shade trees, street and parking lot plantings, specimen use, and bonsai, Acer buergerianum is prized for its durability, attractive bark, and dependable fall color.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Shade Tree

Height

30'-40'

Width

30'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Red, Yellow

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Oval/Rounded

Bark

Exfoliating

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes

10-year height

15'

10-year width

15'