How to identify Trident maple (Acer buergerianum)

How to identify Trident maple (Acer buergerianum)

Trident maple is characterized by a dense, rounded canopy with a multi-stemmed, low-branching growth habit that can be adapted to a single stem through pruning. Its distinguishing leaves exhibit a tri-lobed, trident-like shape, typically seen in deciduous species. The tree is notably recognized for its exfoliating bark, which peels away to reveal a striking orange-brown inner layer. During the autumn season, the foliage transforms into a stunning display of reds and oranges, with the occasional appearance of yellows, providing a vibrant splash of color.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Trident maple

Tri-lobed, trident-like leaves

Exfoliating bark with orange-brown inner layer

Small greenish-yellow flowers in symmetrical clusters

Winged samaras in pairs, helicopter-like spin

Slender stems with fine gray hairs and sharp buds

Detailed Traits of Trident maple

Leaf Features

The leaves of trident maple are simple and opposite, measuring 1.5 to 3.5 inches (4 to 9 cm). They have 3 forward-pointing triangular lobes, giving them a trident-like appearance, with a rounded base. The vein pattern is prominent, providing a textured feel. In fall, the foliage displays variable colors, predominantly reds and oranges, changing later than most maples. These distinctive features make the leaves easily identifiable.

Leaf Base

Cuneate ,

Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

The flowers of trident maple bloom in spring and are small, measuring about 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter. They exhibit a greenish-yellow color. The flowers are arranged in clusters and have a subtle, pleasant fragrance. Each flower has five tiny petals, with a symmetrical arrangement that is crucial for identification. The blooming period typically spans from April to May, imbuing the landscape with delicate and understated beauty.

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Stem Features

The stem of trident maple is characterized by its slender and flexible nature, exhibiting a reddish-brown color. It features a covering of gray hairs and bears sharp-pointed buds, adding to its distinctive appearance. The twigs, typically slender and reddish-brown, measure approximately 1/8 inch (3 mm) in diameter. These features, combined with the fine gray hairs, form a key identification marker for this plant, emphasizing both its texture and coloration.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of trident maple are winged samaras that develop in pairs, intricately joined at a common axis. Each samara is typically around 1 inch long (2.5 cm) and takes on a flattened, papery texture. As they mature in the fall, the samaras display a tan to brown hue and are known for their unique helicopter-like spin as they disperse from the tree. These distinctive features, including their size and paired arrangement, are key for identification.

Fruit Type

Samara

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Trident maple and Their Similar Plants

Japanese maple vs. Trident maple: What's The Difference?

A woody plant native to East Asia, the japanese maple features hand-shaped leaves with five-pointed lobes that resemble the palm of a hand. It has been cultivated for millennia in Japan for bonsai creation. Extracts from the branches and leaves of this plant are used as medicine in Chinese traditional medicine.

Box elder vs. Trident maple: What's The Difference?

Box elder (Acer negundo) is a type of maple tree native to North America, but which is now found throughout the world. It is a hardy, medium-to-large tree that grows quickly and has a relatively short lifespan of up to 60 years. Older trees are prone to storm damage. Box elder wood is relatively flimsy because the tree grows so fast.

Red maple vs. Trident maple: What's The Difference?

The red maple is a common North American tree with distinctive red leaves and flower buds. Its sap can be made into maple syrup and the wood is good for furniture. Though non-toxic to humans, the leaves are very toxic to horses. According to the U.S. Forest Service, red maple is the most common tree in eastern North America.

Norway maple vs. Trident maple: What's The Difference?

The norway maple is a tree species native to Europe and West Asia. It is 20 to 30 m tall and has bright green, lobed leaves which turn yellow or red in the autumn. Introduced as an ornamental shade tree in the United States, it is now considered invasive. Outside its northern range, it can be short-lived and susceptible to disease and damage.

Silver maple vs. Trident maple: What's The Difference?

Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) is one of the most common deciduous trees in the United States and southeast Canada. It is a 15 to 25 m tall, fast-growing, sun-loving tree. Its leaves have deeper angular notches between the five lobes than many other maple species. Silver maple is often found along waterways and wetlands, earning it an alternative name 'Water maple'.

Sycamore vs. Trident maple: What's The Difference?

Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) is a tree native to Europe and Asia. Sycamore is tolerant of wind and coastal exposure. This species is known as the sycamore maple in the United States. Sycamore wood is commercially used to make musical instruments, furniture, joinery, wood flooring and kitchen utensils.

Sugar maple vs. Trident maple: What's The Difference?

Acer saccharum, commonly known as sugar maple is a deciduous flowering tree native to North America. Sugar maple's xylem sap is used for making maple syrup - a popular food condiment and sweetening agent in North America. The most notable quality of this plant is its bright leaves, which turn deep red during fall.

Field maple vs. Trident maple: What's The Difference?

Field maple (Acer campestre) is a deciduous flowering plant species native to continental Europe and western Asia. Field maple grows in plains, hills and along rivers. This species is grown as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. Its wood is used to make flooring and musical instruments.

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Key Facts About Trident maple

Attributes of Trident maple

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

5 m to 20 m

Spread

6 m to 9 m

Fruit Color

Brown

Green

Copper

Stem Color

Brown

Red

Green

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Trident maple

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Maples, mangos, mahogany, citrus, and allies

Family

Soapberry

Genus

Maples

Species

Trident maple (Acer buergerianum)

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Distribution Map of Trident maple

Trident maple is a deciduous tree initially found in East Asia's temperate regions and is widely cultivated in other areas due to its ornamental value. This species has been introduced to additional temperate regions, expanding its presence beyond its native range. Its adaptability has led to a broad distribution across various continents, from its ancestral lands in East Asia to new territories where it thrives under human cultivation.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Trident maple How to Grow and Care for Trident maple