Types of Maple Trees in NC

The state of North Carolina is home to a variety of maple trees, each with its unique characteristics and growing conditions. In this article, we will focus on the trident maple (Acer buergerianum), a deciduous tree native to Eastern China, Japan, and Korea.

Physical Characteristics

The trident maple is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 25 feet tall, with a rounded, branching form. Its leaves are shaped like a trident, with three forward-facing lobes. The leaves are golden in color when young and turn red or orange during the fall season. The bark of this tree exfoliates at a younger age, revealing an orange-brown inner bark that adds interest to its appearance.

Growing Conditions

The trident maple prefers full sun and average well-drained acidic soils, but it is tolerant of a range of soil moistures and textures. It can thrive in drought conditions and is resistant to air pollution, wind, salt, and soil compaction. This tree is also suitable for small spaces, making it an excellent choice for urban gardens or landscapes with limited space.

Cultivars and Varieties

There are several cultivars of the trident maple, including 'Aeryn', 'Kifu Nishiki', 'Michael Steinhart', 'Mino Yatabusa', 'Mitsubato Kaede', 'Miyasama yatsubusa', 'Naputo Kaede', 'Nokoribo', 'Streetwise', and 'Valynor'. Each cultivar has its unique characteristics, such as red fall color or single trunk.

Uses

The trident maple can be used as a street tree or shade tree for smaller spaces. It is also suitable for bonsai cultivation due to its small size and slow growth rate. In addition, this tree serves as a larval host plant for the Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis) larvae, which have one brood per season and appear from April to October in the south.

Maintenance

The trident maple is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning to maintain its shape or promote healthy growth. It can tolerate some neglect and is suitable for busy gardeners or those new to tree care.

The trident maple (Acer buergerianum) is a versatile and attractive tree that thrives in North Carolina's climate. With its unique characteristics, growing conditions, and uses, it is an excellent choice for homeowners, landscapers, and gardeners looking to add a touch of beauty and interest to their landscape.

Types of maple trees in nc