Acer triflorum - Maple

Acer triflorum is a small tree or large deciduous shrub that is quite similar to Acer griseum, the paperbark maple. It has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit for its ornamental qualities and its performance in the garden. It is a plant with moderate growth, splendid autumn colours, and decorative bark. It adapts well to all types of soil.

Originally from the forests of medium and high altitudes in Manchuria and Korea, Acer trifolium was introduced in Europe in 1923 and is perfectly adapted to most climates. Like all maples, it belongs to the Sapindaceae family. It can reach 25m (82ft) in height in its natural environment, but rarely exceeds 8m (26ft) in height and 6m (20ft) in width in our gardens. Its growth is significantly faster than that of Acer griseum. It has an upright habit, with dense branches close to the base of the trunk, and tends to be globular. Its slightly greyish-brown bark is rough and fibrous. It peels off in a remarkable way, in thin vertical rolls when young, and then in small patches on the trunk and older branches. The leaves are divided into 3 leaflets, measuring 3 to 8cm (1 to 3in) long, with toothed edges. Tinged with pink and bronze when they bud, they become light green on the upper side but show a glaucous underside. They take on fantastic shades of orange and crimson red in autumn. Flowering takes place in April, in the form of groups of 3 small yellow flowers hanging from hairy peduncles. These flowers are the origin of the vernacular name of this maple, which means "three-flowered". The flowering is followed by the formation of winged and hairy fruits called samaras, which are 3cm (1in) long.

Acer trifolium deserves to be better known and more widely planted in our gardens. Its beautiful bark and autumn foliage make it interesting for a good part of the year. It will look good as a standalone tree in a small garden. It will also blend well in a grove with Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica), smoke bushes, deciduous euonymus, and the caramel tree. Together, they will create a flamboyant display at the end of the season. Easy to grow and perfectly hardy, it thrives in any ordinary soil, even limestone, as long as it is deep enough. Plant small shade-loving perennials (lamium, Epimedium, Geranium macrorrhizum, Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Niger') at its base to enhance its beautiful bark and flamboyant autumn colours.