Acer buergerianum var. formosanum
Taiwanese trident maple
Small, deciduous, bushy tree 10-12m in height, with glossy green 3-lobed leaves, grey-green beneath, with heart-shaped bases. The young growth is glossy red and the autumn colour of orange, red and purple is late in the season. Bears upright flower stems of pale yellow flowers in spring followed by brown winged fruits. Mature trees have red-brown flaking bark
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Brown | Yellow | Red | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Brown | Green | Brown | |
| Autumn | Red Brown | Orange Red Purple | ||
| Winter | Red Brown |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Acer can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with paired, often palmately-lobed leaves and small flowers followed by characteristic winged fruits. Many have fine autumn colour, and some have ornamental stems
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Can be kept compact in large containers, suitable for bonsai cultivation. See tree cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed (trees and shrubs), layering in autumn, grafting in late winter or softwood cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Pruning group 1 from late autumn to midwinter only
Pests
May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus
Get involved
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