Three-flowered Maple (Acer triflorum)

Three-flowered Maple

Acer triflorum

Its peeling bark adds year-round textural beauty. Deciduous small tree; common name: Three-flowered Maple.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Partial sun to full sun; tolerates light shade; avoid prolonged extreme summer heat to prevent leaf scorch
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Watering Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil dries out; avoid standing water to prevent root rot
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Temperature Extremely cold-hardy to -30°C; withstands harsh winters; avoid sudden spring frost damage to new growth
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Trifoliate dark green foliage with serrated margins; turns vibrant crimson in autumn
  • Flower: Clusters of 3 small yellow-green blooms in pendulous racemes
  • Bark: Papery, peeling thin layers to reveal cinnamon-brown underbark
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; avoid drought stress during leaf expansion

Fertilization

Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once before new growth emerges. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the cost of autumn color

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, dilute 1:20 with water for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestations
Pruning
  • Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter before new growth
  • Thin crowded inner branches to improve air circulation and light penetration
  • Shape canopy lightly after flowering to maintain a rounded, open form
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; no harmful effects from ingestion or contact

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental landscape tree valued for autumn foliage and peeling bark