Acer triflorum
Three-Flower Maple

Family:

Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family) 82

Genus:

Acer (Maple, Boxelder) 70

Plant Type:

Tree 557

Growth Forms:

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 489

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 794

Flower Notes:

Green (Not ornamentally important)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Dark green leaves during summer months); Multi-Colored (Mixture of orange, red and yellow during fall months)

Fruit Notes:

Brown (Samaras emerge green, becoming brown at maturity)

Ultimate Height:

25-30 feet

Ultimate Spread:

25-30 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic, loamy soils; tolerates mild range of soil pH

Range:

Nornthern China, Manchuria, and Korea

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves are similar to Acer griseum, opposite, trifoliate, leaflets 3" in length and about 1.5" in width, and medium to dark green. Samaras are small at 1-1.5" in length and are held close together. Bark is exfoliating and ashy-brown, curling back to show copper-orange coloration.

Ecological Functions:

Cover for Wildlife 157

Special Characteristics:

Additional Information

Acer triflorum tends to be an understory tree in its natural habitat. Its beautiful exfoliating bark reveals a rusty brown coloration, providing attractive winter interest. Its shallow root system cannot handle drought well, unless properly mulched. This maple can handle full shade but is best in part shade to full sun.