Acer triflorum, the three-flowered maple, is a species of maple native to hills of northeastern China (Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning) and Korea. It is a deciduous tree that reaches a height of about 25 metres (82 ft) but is usually smaller. It is a trifoliate maple related to such other species as Manchurian Maple (Acer mandshuricum) and Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum). It has yellowish-brown exfoliating bark that peels in woody scales rather than papery pieces like Acer griseum.The leaves have a 2.5–6 centimetres (0.98–2.36 in) petiole and three leaflets; the leaflets are 4–9 centimetres (1.6–3.5 in) long and 2–3.5 centimetres (0.79–1.38 in) broad, with serrated margins, the central leaflet the same size as or slightly larger than the two side leaflets. The flowers are yellow, produced in small corymbs of three small flowers each, hence the name. The samaras are 3.5–4.5 centimetres (1.4–1.8 in) long and 1.3–2 cm broad, hairy, the nutlet with a woody shell.Even more than its relatives, three-flower maple has spectacular fall colour that may include brilliant orange, scarlet, purple and gold. It is one of the few trees to develop good fall colour in shade.
Rough-barked maple has strong resistance to disease and is generally not vulnerable to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is relatively low maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only light watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have bloomed. Rough-barked maplet is well suited for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand extensive care experience.
How to keep Acer Triflorum.
Light
Rough-barked maple comes from open habitats, like sunny meadows and forest edges, where light is plentiful. It does best in Full Sun but will also tolerate Partial Sun, adapting to different sunlight levels.
Water
The rough-barked maple, native to temperate regions, demonstrates moderate drought tolerance. It thrives when watered every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. As a deciduous tree, its water requirements change with the seasons. During the active growth periods of spring and summer, it needs consistent moisture to support optimal foliage development.
Temperature
Rough-barked maple is highly adaptable to a range of climatic conditions, whether facing hot summers or cold winters. Still, it has an ideal temperature range for growing. If temperatures rise too high, the tree can suffer from heat and humidity stress that may kill it. In areas where temperatures near the lower threshold of its cold tolerance, providing insulation is necessary to protect the plant.
Fertilizer
The timing of fertilizing Rough-barked maple is important. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue monthly through early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth periods.
Pruning
To maintain the health of a rough-barked maple tree, follow these pruning tips: Timing: Prune in early spring before new growth begins. Remove Problematic Branches: Cut away any dead or diseased branches. Improve Airflow: Thin out overcrowded areas to enhance air circulation. Avoid Heavy Pruning: Refrain from removing too much foliage to prevent stressing the tree. Consistent Light Trimming: Engage in regular, light trimming to encourage a healthy shape, promote robust growth, and reduce the risk of disease.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Acer
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 4-8
- Mature Height
- 6.1 m to 9.14 m
- Mature Spread
- 7.62 m to 9.14 m
- Leaf Color
- Red, Green, Orange
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Green
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early spring, Mid spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- Koppen, South Korea, China
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Rough-barked maple?
To ensure excellent root development, consider placing a garden hose at the base of your plant. Avoid spraying the leaves directly, as this can be harmful. If your plants are outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight, it's important to water the leaves more often. You can use bubblers to moisten the roots of each plant, or opt for soaker hoses that cover the entire garden or bed. When adding or removing plants, using soaker hoses will help push the roots deeper into the soil. Remember to drain any excess water and wait for the soil to dry before watering again. Watering at ground level will help prevent diseases. On a sunny day, it may be beneficial to spray the entire bush with water. Whether your plant is potted or in the ground, keep in mind that Rough-barked maple prefers deep watering rather than light sprinkling.
What are the sunlight requirements for a Rough-barked maple?
The Rough-barked maple, or Acer triflorum, thrives best in locations that provide full sun, defined as more than 6 hours of sunlight per day, but it can also adapt well to partial sun conditions, which means about 3-6 hours of sunlight daily. It's important to observe the sun's movement in your garden to ensure that you choose a planting spot that offers an optimal balance of light and shade, accommodating the plant's needs for healthy growth.
What is the Rough-barked maple?
The Rough-barked maple, known botanically as Acer triflorum, is a species of maple. It is recognized for its distinctive rough bark.
What should I do if I give the Rough-barked maple tree too much or too little water?
An overwatered Rough-barked maple can show signs of yellowing, dropping, and wilting leaves, as well as a dull and unhealthy appearance with mushy stems. If you notice these signs, it's best to adjust your watering schedule. Wilting can also be a sign of under watering, which can cause crispy and dry leaves. Check the soil moisture, and if it's dry, give the plant a thorough watering. However, even with enough water, the maple may still appear dry with yellow leaves due to a damaged root system. Once it returns to normal, the yellowing leaves will stop. Indoors, always check the moisture levels and avoid overwatering, looking out for black spots. If present, let the soil dry by pausing watering for a few days. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so transfer the plant to a different pot if you see discolored and slimy roots. Prevent root rot by avoiding overly soggy soil. When planting the maple outdoors, check the soil moisture and if it's too dry, make sure to water adequately to help the plant recover.
How does artificial lighting support Rough-barked maple growth indoors?
When natural sunlight is insufficient, especially during winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lighting can be a crucial supplement for Rough-barked maples indoors. LED lights are recommended due to their ability to provide specific wavelengths needed by plants. Full sun plants should receive 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants 10-20W/sq ft of artificial light. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight, and the lighting duration should replicate natural daylight hours, with most plants needing 8-12 hours of light per day.
How frequently should I water my Rough-barked maple?
The Rough-barked maple prefers deep and infrequent watering. If they are planted in pots, they need to be soaked in a gallon of water each time, as the soil in pots dries out faster. In cold regions, they should be watered every 3 to 5 days. Watering should be done early in the morning when the soil is dry. To determine if watering is needed, check the top 2-3 inches of soil - if it is dry, it's time to water. During hot days, check the moisture daily as the soil in pots can dry out quickly. If you have a garden, it also needs irrigation. In hot climates, watering once a week is sufficient. Consider the amount of rainfall before deciding to water the plants, as too much water can cause root rot. Rough-barked maple mainly grows in spring and fall, so adding mulch 3 to 4 inches deep can help conserve water when they are outdoors. Sandy soil requires more frequent watering, while clay soil can go for 2-3 days without water. Keep track of when you water the plants and watch for drooping leaves, which may indicate a need for watering.
What are some common symptoms of light deficiency in Rough-barked maples?
Rough-barked maples suffering from light deficiency may exhibit several symptoms, including smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, quicker leaf drop, slower or ceased new growth, and lighter-colored new leaves. These signs indicate the plant's struggle to adapt to insufficient light conditions, potentially leading to reduced vigor and overall health.
How much water does my Rough-barked maple tree need?
The Rough-barked maple generally requires a gallon of water according to its schedule. For potted plants, water them deeply until water drips from the bottom of the pot, and then wait for the soil to dry before watering again. You can use a water calculator or moisture meter to determine the amount of water given to your plant in a week. During the flowering period, provide plenty of water, but allow the moisture to evaporate afterwards to prevent root rot. If the Rough-barked maple is planted outdoors and receives adequate rainfall, it may not need additional watering. However, when the maple is young or newly planted, ensure it receives 1-2 inches of rain per week. As the maple grows, it can rely solely on rainfall. Only when the weather is extremely hot or there is no rainfall for 2-3 weeks, consider giving the maple a full watering during the cooler part of the day to prevent heat damage. Additional watering will be necessary during prolonged dry periods.
What are the symptoms and solutions for Rough-barked maples exposed to excessive sunlight?
Excessive sunlight can lead to conditions like chlorosis, where leaves lose their green color, sunscald that damages plant tissues, leaf curling as a defense mechanism, wilting due to lost turgor pressure, and leaf scorching marked by brown, dry edges on leaves. To mitigate these issues, ensure the plant gradually adapts to increasing sunlight by moving it closer to the light source weekly, use south-facing windows for indoor plants, and consider using artificial lights if necessary. Additionally, minimizing obstructions and possibly transplanting to better-lit locations can help outdoor plants.
Do I need to water my Rough-barked maple tree more or less depending on the time of year or the weather?
The Rough-barked maple thrives outdoors in rainy conditions, but it may need additional watering during dry spells. During the spring and fall, keep the soil consistently moist, avoiding excessive water. Alternating between dry and moist soil conditions helps the maple grow well. In the summer, hot weather can cause water to evaporate quickly, so extra watering may be required if there is a lack of rainfall. During winter, the maple needs less water as it goes dormant. To promote faster evaporation, use a well-draining but moisture-retentive soil mixture like terracotta. Once the maple begins to leaf out and go dormant, watering can be skipped, relying on fall and winter rains for survival. After spring, encourage growth and blooming by cultivating and increasing temperature. These maples do not like overly wet or dry roots when flowering, so good drainage is crucial, especially in winter. When in pots, maples have limited root growth and should be well-watered, particularly in summer. Deeply soak the entire root system once or twice a week, avoiding shallow sprinkles that promote fungal growth and do not reach the roots. Even in dormancy, prevent the maples from drying out completely in fall or winter. Avoid excessive watering that can drown the plants or cause poor drainage, which may result in their death during winter. Applying mulch can reduce stress, conserve water, and promote healthy blooms.
What things do I need to be cautious about when I water my Rough-barked maple in different seasons, climates, or during different growing periods?
If you are planting Rough-barked maple in the ground, it primarily relies on rain for water. However, if there is no rainfall for 2-3 weeks, you should consider giving the plants a deep watering. In the summer, it's best to water them in the morning to avoid stressing the roots with a large temperature difference. It's important not to water the bushes when it's too hot outside. Start mulching them in the spring when the ground is not too cold. The age of the plants is important, as newly planted ones often fail to grow due to lack of water. Once the plants are established, you can reduce the watering schedule. During the fall and winter, especially if the soil has water-retaining material, you should decrease watering. Dry winds in winter can dry them out, and newly planted ones are at risk of drought during windy seasons. Potted plants, especially those in pots, need more frequent watering as they tend to dry out faster. If you notice that the plants bloom less and the leaves dry up, they may need more water. Avoid overwatering potted plants, and be cautious about water accumulation in containers. Too much watering in the fall can cause the foliage to look mottled or yellowish. Generally, it's important to prevent overwatering in any climate or season. When Rough-barked maple is flowering, you may want to increase watering frequency, but once they are fully grown, you can reduce it. Water them with an adequate amount once every 3 to 5 days, but don't stick to a fixed schedule. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger in the pot or using a moisture meter. Be cautious not to overwater or underwater, as both can lead to root rot and the death of the plants.
Why do I need to water my Rough-barked maple tree?
Watering the Rough-barked maple is important for transporting necessary nutrients and maintaining its health. The amount of water required depends on the weather and soil conditions. The species thrives on moist soil but cannot tolerate excessive water. When planted on the ground, it is recommended to provide adequate mulch and avoid under-watering. When planted in a pot, they should receive enough water for the base to feel moist but not waterlogged. For foliage growth, watering should reach a depth of 10 to 20 inches. Refrain from watering during rain to allow the plant to benefit from natural rainfall.