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1.Acer Buergerianum — Overview
Acer buergerianum, commonly known as the Trident Maple or Three-toothed Maple, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to East Asia, specifically China, Korea, and Japan. Belonging to the Sapindaceae family (formerly Aceraceae), this species typically reaches heights of 25 to 35 feet with a rounded, often multi-stemmed growth habit and a spread of 20 to 30 feet.
Its most distinctive feature is its glossy, dark green leaves, which are three-lobed, resembling a trident, and turn spectacular shades of orange and red in the autumn. The bark is another notable characteristic, exfoliating in plates to reveal an attractive orange-brown inner bark, providing year-round visual interest.
Trident Maple is highly adaptable and resilient, thriving in full sun and a range of well-drained soils, from acidic to neutral. It exhibits remarkable tolerance to various environmental stresses, including drought, strong winds, salt spray, air pollution, and soil compaction, making it an excellent choice for urban landscapes, street plantings, and smaller garden spaces. Its slow to medium growth rate and ease of transplanting further contribute to its popularity.
In spring, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers emerge, followed by small winged seeds known as samaras. Beyond its landscape utility, Acer buergerianum is exceptionally prized in the art of bonsai due to its naturally appealing form, small leaves, and ability to be easily pruned and shaped, allowing enthusiasts to create miniature, mature-looking trees.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Acer buergerianum
1.1 Wikipedia — Acer buergerianum
1.2 Kew POWO (Plants of the World Online)
1.3 PubMed — peer-reviewed research
1.4 NCBI Taxonomy Browser
1.5 GBIF — Global Biodiversity
1.6Acer Buergerianum should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Acer Buergerianum — Key Features
- ✓ <strong>Common Names</strong> — Trident Maple, Three-toothed Maple.
- ✓ <strong>Scientific Name</strong> — Acer buergerianum.
- ✓ <strong>Botanical Family</strong> — Sapindaceae (Maple family).
- ✓ <strong>Native Range</strong> — East Asia (China, Korea, Japan).
- ✓ <strong>Ornamental Value</strong> — Highly prized for its exfoliating bark and stunning red-orange fall foliage.
- ✓ <strong>Environmental Adaptability</strong> — Exceptionally tolerant to drought, wind, salt, air pollution, and soil compaction.
- ✓ <strong>Bonsai Favorite</strong> — Widely cultivated and esteemed in the art of bonsai due to its attractive form and response to shaping.
- ✓ <strong>Phytochemical Profile</strong> — Contains significant levels of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and triterpenoids.
- ✓ <strong>Potential Medicinal Uses</strong> — Explored for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and traditional digestive support properties.
- ✓ <strong>Growth Habit</strong> — A small to medium-sized deciduous tree with a rounded crown, often multi-stemmed.
1.2.Acer Buergerianum — Quick Summary
- ✓ Acer buergerianum, or Trident Maple, is a highly adaptable ornamental tree.
- ✓ Renowned for its distinctive three-lobed leaves, exfoliating bark, and brilliant fall colors.
- ✓ Rich in beneficial phytochemicals, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.
- ✓ Traditionally used for minor digestive issues and topical pain relief, though scientific research is ongoing.
- ✓ A prime choice for bonsai enthusiasts due to its aesthetic qualities and response to pruning.
- ✓ Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, exhibiting strong tolerance to various urban environmental stresses.
2.Acer Buergerianum — Scientific Identity
3.Acer Buergerianum — Quick Facts
4.Acer Buergerianum — Appearance & Identification
5.Acer Buergerianum — Native Habitat
6.Acer Buergerianum — Water Requirements
- ✓ Site Selection — Choose a location that receives full sun exposure (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) to ensure optimal growth and vibrant fall foliage.
- ✓ Soil Requirements — Thrives best in average, well-drained, acidic to neutral soils, ideally amended with organic matter. It tolerates a wide range of soil textures, including clay and sand.
- ✓ Watering — Maintain consistent soil moisture, particularly during prolonged dry spells and for young, newly planted trees. Established trees exhibit good drought tolerance, but avoid waterlogging.
- ✓ Fertilization — Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.
- ✓ Pruning — Conduct pruning in late winter or early spring before leaf emergence to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and to shape the tree. It responds exceptionally well to structural pruning, making it a favorite for bonsai.
- ✓ Environmental Tolerance — This species is highly resilient, demonstrating excellent tolerance to urban stressors such as wind, salt spray, air pollution, and soil compaction.
- ✓ Propagation — Primarily propagated from seeds, which often require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy and encourage germination. Cuttings can be attempted but are generally more challenging.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 15, 2026
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