Trident maple | The Morton Arboretum

Family (English) Soapberry (formerly Maple)
Family (botanic) Sapindaceae (formerly Aceraceae)
Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Restricted sites, Wide median
Tree or plant type Tree
Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native locale Non-native
Size range Medium tree (25-40 feet)
Mature height 25-35 feet
Mature width 15-25 feet
Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought, Road salt
Season of interest early winter, midwinter, early fall, mid fall, late fall
Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
Shape or form Oval, Round
Growth rate Moderate
Transplants well Yes
Wildlife Insect pollinators
Has cultivars Yes

Native geographic location and habitat:

Trident maple is native to China and Korea.

Bark color and texture:

Bark is gray, becoming scaly and flaky with age. Flaking reveals inner bark which is orange-brown, which gives the bark some ornamental appeal.

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:

Leaves are arranged in pairs (opposite). Growing 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches long with three forward-pointing lobes, the leaf has a trident shape. Dark green in summer, leaves change to yellow, orange, and red in fall. Color can vary from year to year.