Trident maple seeds

Habitat

native to Japan
zone 5 (warmer parts)
hardier as a mature plant; young trees tend to twig kill some in winter
Habit and Form

oval to rounded small tree
deciduous
typically 20 to 25′, but can easily reach 35′+
Summer Foliage

opposite, 3-lobed, 1.5″ to 3″ long
leaf base rounded, lobes point forward, looks like a duck foot
leaf shape varies considerably on different individuals
shiny, bright green when mature, emerge with reddish tints
  

Autumn Foliage

yellow, orange, red; individuals vary in quality of coloration
colors late for a maple
 

Flowers

greenish-yellow, not of importance
early spring with leaf emergence
Fruit

samaras, 0.75″ to 1″ long
 

Bark

exfoliating in scales and plates
interesting mix of orange, brown and gray
   

Culture

relatively easy to transplant
prefers moist, slightly acid soil
reported to be drought tolerant
best in full sun
Landscape Uses

street tree
patio tree
specimen
Liabilities

relatively problem free
winter twig kill
variability in fall foliage coloration among individuals
ID Features

duck-foot leaf shape
exfoliating orange tinted bark
Propagation

primarily from seed
Cultivars/Varieties

Even the straight species itself is rare, though several variegated and dwarf cultivars are readily available from bonsai nurseries.

‘Streetwise’ (Streetwise®) – A promising introduction with good red fall color, handsome bark that peels at an early age and an upright habit that lends itself to single-stem training and more common use in the landscape.