In 1890, as scientists explored China, Korea and Japan, they found an unusual maple tree, and it made its way to Europe and the United States. This tree is the trident, or the three-toothed, maple (Acer buergerianum). Along with Japanese maples, this tree has gained fame in bonsai and in horticulture practices. It is a medium-sized tree, up to 25 to 30 feet, yet in Asia it reaches a height of 90-100 feet.

The simple leaves are up to 3 inches wide and long with three lobes or teeth. They have finely-toothed edges and a pubescent underside. There are three main veins in the leaves, so this appearance is of a trident, duck’s foot or frog’s hand. These rich green leaves turn yellow or orange in the fall.

Many cultivars are shrubby and tend to grow in a “low-spreading habit” with multiple stems. With pruning, a main leader can be trained to be a single trunk, according to the University of Florida. In the spring, the trees flower, then form many samaras (seeds) that are fertile, and with stratification (keeping cold for 3 months) will sprout.

Trident maples are well suited for city life and are often called city trees. They are not bothered by pollution, drought or neglect, once established. They do well in yards and patios, and being smaller, are attractive yard trees. They are suitable in most zones, do well in any soil that is well drained, and love the sun. They do not like full shade.

Another attractive note on this tree is that it has very colorful peeling bark. Exfoliation commences about the third year of maturity, as sheets of gray bark peel to reveal orange, cinnamon and silver underbark. This process carries on throughout the life of the tree. This camouflage look is beautiful in winter.

Some noted cultivars:

• Acer buergerianum Aureum — gold, with yellow foliage

• Acer buergerianum Fireball — bright red, orange autumn colors (requires more water)

• Acer buergerianum Akeboro — Coral Dawn Trident Maple – emerges red, matures to green; fall — orange and red

• Acer buergerianum Goshiki Kaede; Five Color Trident Maple — marbled leaves of green, yellow, pink or red; fall — orange, red, purple

• Acer buergerianum Mino Yatsubusa; Dwarf Trident Maple — a compact version

• Acer buergerianum Mitsubato Kaede; Coral Bark Trident Maple — coral-like bark, rich green leaves, gold in the fall

• Acer buergerianum Miyasama Yatsubusa; Variegated Trident Maple — variegated foliage, creamy white margins on bright green; yellow, orange and red fall colors

These small yet long-lived trees are a wonderful addition to any area of the yard you wish to enhance. With little work and all the color, you will have beauty that lasts for years!

Hughes is an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.