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Rough-barked maple

How to identify Rough-barked maple (Acer triflorum)

Rough-barked maple

Rough-barked maple exhibits a unique ornamental appeal with its trifoliate leaves, each leaf divided into three leaflets. In the fall, foliage transforms into a vivid color display, usually with shades of red, orange, and yellow. This medium-sized tree reaches an average height of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters), with a rounded and airy crown. Bark peels in strips, revealing patches of orange-brown and gray, adding to its winter interest. The samaras, characteristic winged fruits of the Sapindaceae family, hang gracefully from the branches.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Rough-barked maple

1

Trifoliate leaves, turning red, orange, and yellow in fall.

2

Distinctive samaras, measuring 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length.

3

Bark peels to reveal patches of orange-brown and gray.

4

Irregularly toothed dark green leaves, fuzzy texture.

5

Unique coloration of flowers, pink to greenish-yellow clusters.

Rough-barked mapleRough-barked mapleRough-barked mapleRough-barked mapleRough-barked maple

Detailed Traits of Rough-barked maple

Leaf Features

Rough-barked maple has dark green, somewhat fuzzy, trifoliate leaves that are approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. The margins are irregularly toothed, adding to their unique appearance. In the fall, the leaves transform into brilliant hues of orange, scarlet, purple, and gold, showcasing a stunning autumn display. These leaves are among the few that can achieve such vibrant fall colors even in shaded areas.

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Flower Features

The flowers of rough-barked maple appear in April, forming clusters of three. They exhibit a unique blend of pink to greenish-yellow hues. Each flower is relatively small, approximately 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in diameter, with a simple petal arrangement. These flowers are not noted for strong scent. Their trio formation and distinct coloration serve as key identification markers, creating a subtle yet noticeable floral display during their blooming period.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of rough-barked maple consists of distinctive wing-shaped structures known as samaras. Each samara measures approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length and is connected to its twin at a wide angle. The samara houses a plump nutlet, which is the seed-bearing section. This fruit, often a pale brown or tan color, is equipped with a membranous wing that aids in wind dispersal. The samaras are not only a significant characteristic for this plant's identification but also persist well into the winter months, providing a lasting visual interest.

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Rough-barked maple and Their Similar Plants

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Japanese maple vs. Rough-barked 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.
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Box elder vs. Rough-barked 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.
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Red maple vs. Rough-barked 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.
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Norway maple vs. Rough-barked 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.
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Silver maple vs. Rough-barked 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'.
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Sycamore vs. Rough-barked 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.
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Field maple vs. Rough-barked 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 Rough-barked maple

Attributes of Rough-barked maple
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
6 m to 9 m
Spread
8 m to 9 m
Leaf Color
Red
Green
Orange
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Rough-barked maple

Family
Soapberry
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Genus
Maples
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Species
Rough-barked maple (Acer triflorum)
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Distribution Map of Rough-barked maple

Rough-barked maple is a plant species that is indigenous to temperate regions of Eastern Asia. It has also been successfully introduced and cultivated in temperate areas beyond its native range due to its ornamental appeal. While rough-barked maple flourishes in its natural habitat, it has adapted to various settings in other temperate zones around the globe.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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