Acer buergerianum Miq.

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Credits

Dan Crowley (2026)

Recommended citation
Crowley, D. (2026), 'Acer buergerianum' from the website Trees and Shrubs Online (treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/acer/acer-buergerianum/). Accessed 2026-10-15.

Family

Sapindaceae

Genus

Acer
Sect. Pentaphylla Ser. Trifida

Common Names

Trident Maple
Three-pronged Maple
Hana zakura
Kakunimo
Sankaku kaede
Te kaede
Toyama kaede

Synonyms

Acer trifidum Hook. & Arn., not Thunb.

Infraspecifics

Other taxa in genus

Glossary

included: (botanical) Contained within another part or organ.
taxon: (pl. taxa) Group of organisms sharing the same taxonomic rank (family genus species infraspecific variety).
variety: (var.) Taxonomic rank (varietas) grouping variants of a species with relatively minor differentiation in a few characters but occurring as recognisable populations. Often loosely used for rare minor variants more usefully ranked as forms.

References

Credits

Dan Crowley (2026)

Recommended citation
Crowley, D. (2026), 'Acer buergerianum' from the website Trees and Shrubs Online (treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/acer/acer-buergerianum/). Accessed 2026-10-15.

Acer buergerianum in flower at the Leasowes Arboretum, Shropshire, UK. 10 May 2023. Image Tom Christian.

A deciduous tree to 20(–25) m tall in the wild. Bark pale brown, flaking in irregularly strips with age. Branchlets green, turning greyish-brown. Buds small, brown, ovoid, with four to eight pairs of scales, pubescent along their margins. Leaves deciduous, ovate, obovate to orbicular in outline, base cuneate to rounded, unlobed or three-lobed with three primary veins, 5–12 × 5–12 cm, lobes triangular, apically acute to acuminate, margins entire, lobes sometimes with few serrations, upper surface glossy green, lower surface whitish to glaucous, glabrous or pubescent along veins; petiole 2.5–5(–8) cm long, green, glabrous; autumn colours yellow, orange, red or purple. Plants usually andromonoecious, Inflorescence corymbose on terminal shoots, pubescent, flowers greenish, 5-merous, pedicels 0.5–1 cm, sepals ovate, glabrous, petals ~0.2 cm, narrowly lanceolate to narrowly spathulate, stamens eight, inserted on the outside of the nectar disc, ovary pubescent. Samaras 2–3 cm long, wings spreading variously. Nutlets ovoid. Flowering in April or May, fruiting August to October (China). (Bean 1976; van Gelderen, de Jong & Oterdoom 1994; Xu et al. 2008).

Distribution China Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, S Shaanxi, Shandong, Sichuan, Zhejiang Taiwan

Habitat Mixed forests, from sea level 1500 m asl.

USDA Hardiness Zone 5

RHS Hardiness Rating H6

Conservation status Least concern (LC)

Taxonomic note Aside from the nominate variety, five others are treated in the Flora of China (Xu et al. 2008): formosanum, horizontale, jiujiangense, kaiscianense and yentangense. However, the placement of var. formosanum has been reconsidered by Tzeng & Huang (2009), who concluded that this taxon is better considered part of A. albopurpurascens (q.v.). Var. ningpoense, included by van Gelderen, de Jong & Oterdoom (1994), is sunk into var. buergerianum by Xu et al. (2008), whose approach is followed here. Only the typical variety is known to be cultivated in our area.

Native to China, Acer buergerianum was originally named from there as A. trifidum (Bean 1976), based on material collected by Scottish Surgeon James Cunningham between 1698 and 1709 (Gregory 2017). However, the publication of that name was deemed invalid, and the species was instead described by Miquel in 1865, from material collected from plants in Japanese cultivation by Philipp Franz von Siebold (Gregory 2017). Contrary to the descriptive epithet the species was first assigned, Miquel named the species after a colleague of von Siebold, his fellow German naturalist Heinrich Buerger (Gregory 2017).

Long since naturalised and widely cultivated in Japan, it is used as a street tree both there and in Korea, where its autumn colours are comparable to those of Acer saccharum in eastern North America (van Gelderen, de Jong & Oterdoom 1994). It is also an important ornamental in parts of China (More & White 2013). Numerous cultivars have been developed in eastern Asia, and the species is a favourite with bonsai growers. Ancient specimens are part of many major bonsai collections in different parts of the world (Humphrey 2023).

The hardiest and by far the most common member of Sect. Pentaphylla Ser. Trifida grown in our area, Acer buergerianum was introduced to cultivation in around 1890 (Harris 2000; Edwards & Marshall 2019). Charles Sargent sent material of this and numerous other maples to the Arnold Arboretum in 1892, while it was introduced to Kew in 1896 (Bean 1976). Leaves may be unlobed, three-lobed or sometimes both on the same plant. The leaves have clean, glossy surfaces and often persist late. Autumn colour is variable though often good (best, perhaps, in areas with reliably warm summers) ranging from yellow and orange to red and purple. It is also notable for its flaky bark and abundant fruit production, these often persisting well into winter.

The species has grown well in Britain since its introduction (Bean 1976) and has long been advocated for wider use, particularly in parts of western Europe (Bean 1976; van Gelderen, de Jong & Oterdoom 1994). Tolerant of drought, infertile and alkaline soils, including shallow chalk, as well as heat, cold and air pollution (Vertrees & Gregory 2009; Dirr & Warren 2019), it is also withstands heavy pruning (Humphrey 2023). It enjoys broader use in parts of North America and is widely grown as a street tree (pers. obs.). (Dirr 2011, p.30) describes it as ‘a fine choice for the small residential landscape’ and as ‘one of the best’ small trees, though it benefits from judicious pruning in youth, as some individuals will develop untidy, scattered branching if left unchecked. Vertrees & Gregory (2009) state that the species has good structural strength and an upright growth habit and its branches are reported to resist damage from snow and ice in the eastern United States (Dirr & Warren 2019).

However, in parts of the Pacific Northwest individuals are noted to not harden off sufficiently well and can be susceptible to frost damage (Justice, in prep.), while in harsher climates, it will be cut to ground level in winter (Humphrey 2023). At Rogów Arboretum, Poland, exampes of Acer buergerianum were often injured during severe frosts, though more recently, in a warming climate, it has become fully hardy, if slow growing (P. Banaszczak, pers. comm. 2026).

Numerous cultivars have been selected and breeding is aiming to produce seedless selections (Dirr & Warren 2019). Wider use of the species in Britain is hindered principally by a lack of availability, though it is increasingly offered by nurseries specialising in very large, instant-impact plants for the landscaping trade, though few named cultivars seem to be available in 2026. In parts of the United States it is grafted onto Acer saccharum, which is better adapted to higher pH levels (Phil Douglas pers. comm., March 2023), though the species is evidently well adapted to numerous soil types. The species grows well on chalk in parts of southern England (T. Christian, pers. comm. 2026).

The most famous example of the species in cultivation is the old individual at the Morris Arboretum, Philadelphia. Accessioned in 1932 (Morris Arboretum 2022), it displays characteristic flaking bark, and has a broad, spreading crown on a short bole. Its impressive growth is clearly influenced by the warm Pennsylvanian summer temperatures, and provides a glimpse of its potential for use as summer temperatures increase in other parts of our area.

The species is well represented in arboreta, though by little wild-origin material. Naturalised trees, rather than natives, have evidently been collected from both Japan and in China (outside of its recorded natural distribution) and mistakenly recorded as wild. An individual at Bedgebury National Pinetum, Kent planted in 1934 was measured at 14 m tall in 2024 (The Tree Register 2025), while a tree at Borde Hill, Sussex, of the same age had attained the same height by 2025 (The Tree Register 2025). This individual is notable for its largely unlobed leaves (pers. obs). The largest specimen at Westonbirt is also 14 m tall, having been planted in 1930 (The Tree Register 2025). The UK and Irish Champion grows adjacent to a block of flats along Norham Road, Oxford, and was measured at 15 m tall in 2023 (The Tree Register 2025).

The species is recorded in numerous mainland European collections. As well as Rogów, where ten individuals currently grow (P. Banaszczak, pers. com.. 2026), it is represented at Arboretum Wespelaar, Belgium, where several examples grow well (pers. obs.). A shapely specimen grows in the botanical gardens of Bratislava’s Comenius University, Slovakia (Monumental Trees 2025).

Acer buergerianum thriving as an urban street tree in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Image Paul W. Meyer.

A century old specimen of Acer buergerianum growing at the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Image Paul W Meyer.

Trunk detail of a century old specimen of Acer buergerianum growing at the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Image Paul W. Meyer.

The same veteran Acer buergerianum, this time in autumn colour, at the Morris Arboretum, Philadelphia. 1 November 2025. Image Tom Christian.

Seed was well developed on this Acer buergerianum by mid-June 2021 at Villa Taranto, Lake Maggiore, Italy. Image Tom Christian.

Acer buergerianum bark on a tree at Villa Taranto, Lake Maggiore, Italy. June 2021. Image Tom Christian.

The bark of Acer buergerianum in Sheffield Park, East Sussex, UK. November 2017. Image Ron Kemeny.

Acer buergerianum in autumn colour. Sheffield Park, East Sussex, UK. November 2017. Image Ron Kemeny.

Foliage on Acer buergerianum, taken from a tree at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, UK (16 September 2024). Image © Jan De Langhe.

Fruiting specimen on Acer buergerianum (the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, UK – 16 September 2024). Image © Jan De Langhe.

Samaras on Acer buergerianum (the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, UK – 16 September 2024). Image © Jan De Langhe.

Acer buergerianum detail with focus on the tiny buds and bud scale scars (the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, UK – 16 September 2024). Image © Jan De Langhe.

Acer buergerianum leaf selection, the lamina variably tri-lobed, on a long slender petiole (the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, UK – 16 September 2024). Image © Jan De Langhe.

The fruit with keys of Acer buergerianum in Sheffield Park Garden, East Sussex, UK. November 2017. Image Ron Kemeny.

Acer buergerianum showing the colour variation of the fallen leaves from the tree at Sheffield Park Garden, East Sussex, UK. November 2017. Image Ron Kemeny.

Acer buergerianum in the Orto Botanico Lucca, Italy (5 September 2026). Image John Grimshaw.

'ABFSS'

Synonyms / alternative names
Acer buergerianum VALYNOR^®

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

A clone exhibiting fastigiate branching, developing a compact upright crown and likely to attain a height of 12 m. Autumn colours are orange to red (Dirr & Warren 2019).

'ABMTF'

Synonyms / alternative names
Acer buergerianum AERYN™

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8b

‘ABMTF’ AERYN™ has a uniform, upright-oval crown, ultimately attaining 12 m tall. Autumn colours are yellowish orange to red (Dirr & Warren 2019). Hatch (2024) notes that it is more vigorous than some cultivars, with smoother bark.

'ABTIR'

Synonyms / alternative names
Acer buergerianum STREETWISE^®

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5

A vigorous clone with a denser, more upright form than is typical for the species (Hatch 2024), with burgundy autumn colour (Oregon State University 2025). It was Introduced by Tree Introductions, Inc. of Athens, Georgia (Oregon State University 2025).

'Akebono'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 7

A small, shrubby, white-variegated clone with mottled yellow new growth and bronze-tinged margins. Aside from its new growth, it is similar to ‘Goshiki kaede’, with which it is often treated as synonymous (Vertrees & Gregory 2009; Hatch 2024). The name translates as “day-break maple” (Vertrees & Gregory 2009).

'Angyo Weeping'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5

Of pendulous form when young, becoming semi-pendulous with age, attaining up to 8 m tall and spreading as wide (Dirr & Warren 2019). It has larger leaves than typical for the species, which turn yellow to orange in autumn (Dirr & Warren 2019). Its drooping branches are somewhat more susceptible to wind damage than other selections (Dirr & Warren 2019).

Acer buergerianum 'Angyo Weeping' at the Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania. 31 October 2025. Image Tom Christian.

Two branches of Acer buergerianum 'Angyo Weeping' at the Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania. Long late-summer extension growth with large leaves (left) and older wood with smaller leaves (right). 31 October 2025. Image Tom Christian.

Stem of Acer buergerianum 'Angyo Weeping' at the Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania. 31 October 2025. Image John Grimshaw.

'Eastwood Cloud'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5

A rounded, slow-growing clone (Vertrees & Gregory 2009; Hatch 2024). New growth is white, becoming creamy pink, then light green in summer before turning red in autumn (Vertrees & Gregory 2009; Hatch 2024). Raised from seed by Ron Howard of Taihape, New Zealand, it was named in 1949 (van Gelderen, de Jong & Oterdoom 1994; Vertrees & Gregory 2009). It has larger leaves than ‘Wako nishiki’ (Vertrees & Gregory 2009).

'EOAB-1'

Synonyms / alternative names
Acer buergerianum RAISING BLAZE™

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

A selection with red new growth and orange to red autumn colour (Dirr 2011). According to Dirr (2011), it shows greater heat tolerance than some forms and also produces less fruit, which renders it more desirable in certain settings.

'Golden Pharoah'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9

A clone with golden, peach-tinged, reticulated spring growth that later becomes green before turning shades of red in autumn (MrMaple 2025).

'Goshiki kaede'

Synonyms / alternative names
Acer buergerianum 'Goshiki'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 7

A slow-growing, shrubby plant, with small, white-variegated foliage. The variegation ranges from white flecks to entirely white leaves (which are sometimes distorted), with hints of pink in some new growth (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). Densely branched, it can attain up to 4 m in height, and is also utilised for bonsai (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999), though is delicate and can be a difficult grower (van Gelderen, de Jong & Oterdoom 1994). A Japanese selection, the name translates as “five-coloured maple”.

'Goshiki kosade'

Synonyms / alternative names
Acer buergerianum 'Sue's Surprise'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

An upright-growing tree, selected as a seedling from ‘Goshiki kaede’ crossed with another Acer buergerianum at J.D. Vertrees’ Maplewood Nursery in Oregon (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). It was discovered by Suzanne Olsen and propagated by Howard Hughes of Montesano, Washington (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). It has creamy-coloured, mottled variegated leaves that are at first tinged pink or red. The name translates as “multi-coloured kimono” (Vertrees & Gregory 2009).

'Hana chiru sato'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

An interestingly variegated large shrub to 3 m. Leaves are pale pink at first, with pinkish petioles, before turning creamy-white with green veins and finally turning red in autumn (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). It was selected and named in Japan by R. Hayashida in 1960 and introduced to Europe in the 1990s (Vertrees & Gregory 2009).

Acer buergerianum 'Hanachiru Sato'. Arboretum Cimetière Parc, Nantes, France. Late April 2014. Image James Garnett.

Acer buergerianum 'Hanachiru Sato' can brighten any dark places. Arboretum Cimetière Parc, Nantes, France. April 2019. Image James Garnett.

Acer buergerianum 'Hanachiru Sato'. Arboretum Cimetière Parc, Nantes, France. April 2019. Image James Garnett.

Acer buergerianum 'Hanachiru Sato'. Arboretum Cimetière Parc, Nantes, France. Early May 2021. Image James Garnett.

Acer buergerianum 'Hanachiru Sato'. Arboretum Cimetière Parc, Nantes, France. Late April 2026. Image James Garnett.

Flowers are not what you're looking for with that cultivar. Acer buergerianum 'Hanachiru Sato'. Arboretum Cimetière Parc, Nantes, France. Late May 2016. Image James Garnett.

Autumn colors on Acer buergerianum 'Hanachiru Sato'. Arboretum Cimetière Parc, Nantes, France. Late November 2014. Image James Garnett.

'Hime kaede'

Synonyms / alternative names
Acer buergerianum 'Hime'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

A densely branched tree growing up to 10 m tall. The leaves have deeper cut lobes than typical for the species, with purple new growth (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999). Originating in Japan, it is also noted as useful for bonsai (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999).

Acer buergerianum 'Hime-kaede'. Arboretum Wespelaar, Belgium. September 2016. Image James Garnett.

'Iwao kaede'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

‘Iwao kaede’ has larger leaves than typical for the species, with blunt-tipped lateral lobes that extend at right angles from the leaf base (van Gelderen, de Jong & Oterdoom 1994). Noted as ‘very rarely available’ in 1994 (van Gelderen, de Jong & Oterdoom 1994).

'Joroku aka me'

Synonyms / alternative names
Acer buergerianum 'Johroku aka me'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

A selection with almost leathery leaves, with new growth purple-red in colour (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999). Of Japanese origin, it makes a shrub to 3 m and is also suitable for bonsai (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999).

'Kifu nishiki'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

A densely branched shrub to 1.5 m tall. Leaves are almost unlobed on mature plants, with occasional white variegation, which is unstable and prone to reversion (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999). It was introduced by Masato Yokoi before 1989 (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999).

'Koshi Miyasama'

Synonyms / alternative names
Acer buergerianum subsp. ningpoense 'Koshi miyasama'
Acer buergerianum 'Kohshi miyasama'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

A large shrub or small tree to 7 m (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999). Its leaves are somewhat leathery, and have blunted lobes; they flush pinky-red in spring, with yellowish-green primary veins, turning green and then red in autumn (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). Introduced by the Shibamichi Honten Nuresry, Japan, with material sent to the Netherlands in 1979 (Vertrees & Gregory 2009), the name relates to the blood-red colour of the new growth. The selection is also used for bonsai (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999).

'Kyuden'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

A dwarf clone with very dense branching. The leaves are small, blunt-tipped and usually distorted; in spring, they are bronzy-green, becoming darker green above, before turning yellow and orange in autumn (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). The name translates as “palace” (Vertrees & Gregory 2009).

'Marubato kaede'

Upright to 9 m tall, developing a rounded crown (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). Leaves are glossy and thicker textured than is typical for the species, with short lateral lobes and a blunt apex; autumn colour is orange to red (Harris 2000; Vertrees & Gregory 2009).

Acer buergerianum 'Marubato kaede' bearing a very heavy and ornamental crop of samaras at the Savill Garden, Windsor Great Park, UK, 12 July 2026. Image John Grimshaw.

Samaras of Acer buergerianum 'Marubato kaede' (Savill Garden, Windsor Great Park, UK, 12 July 2026). Image John Grimshaw.

Acer buergerianum 'Marubato kaede' at the Savill Garden, Windsor Great Park, UK, 12 July 2026. Image John Grimshaw.

'Michael Steinhardt'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

A golden-leaved clone introduced by Don Shadow, with leaves emerging yellow in spring and becoming brighter as the season progresses (MrMaple 2025).

'Mino-yatsubusa'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

A Japanese selection with deeply cut, narrow lobes (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). The central lobe is long and prominently toothed with an acuminate tip, while the lateral lobes are short, untoothed and more bluntly tipped; they emerge bronzy-green in spring, turn rich green in summer and scarlet and orange in autumn (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). Plants develop a densely branched, rounded crown to 3 m (Dirr 2011; Edwards & Marshall 2019).

'Mitsobato kaede'

Synonyms / alternative names
Acer buergerianum 'Mitsobatoh kaede'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

A densely branched shrub or tree to 8 m (Vertrees & Gregory 2009; van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999). The leaves have a long central lobe, twice the length of the lateral lobes which spread at right angles from the leaf base (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). Noted also for its distinctly fissured bark and abundant fruiting (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999), it is a Japanese selection known before 1970, and present in Europe since 1975 (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999). It is used for bonsai as well as in the garden (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999).

'Miyasama'

Synonyms / alternative names
Acer buergerianum 'Fushima kaede'
Acer buergerianum 'Miyasama kaede'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

This selection is reportedly derived from Taiwanese material, which is now attributed to Acer albopurpurascens. It is retained here pending further research into its origins.

A densely branched, upright shrub to 4 m (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). It has thickly leathery leaves with short, sometimes indistinct lateral lobes and a somewhat obtuse central lobe; they persist late into autumn, colouring orange and red (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). It is also popular in bonsai culture (Vertrees & Gregory 2009).

'Miyasama yatsubusa'

Synonyms / alternative names
Acer buergerianum 'Miyasayama kaede yatsubusa'

Noted by Vertrees & Gregory (2009) as being similar in leaf to ‘Misayama’, the leaves have three short, blunt-tipped lobes, held on stout petioles. Glossy and bronzy-margined at first, they become bright green in summer with glaucous undersides and a somewhat leathery texture, turning yellowish gold in autumn (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). It develops a shrubby form to to 2 m (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999; Harris 2000). A Japanese selection known since 1900, it is also suitable for bonsai (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999).

'Naruto'

Synonyms / alternative names
Acer buergerianum 'Naruto kaede'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

Of shrubby form with good autumn colour, it is noted for its three-lobed leaves that have inward rolled margins (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999; Harris 2000). Selected in Japan before 1900, it is suitable for both small gardens and bonsai (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999). It may be confused with the similarly-leaved ‘Tancho’, though that selection is unltimately smaller and slower growing as an older plant (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999).

Acer buergerianum 'Naruto'. Arboretum Wespelaar, Belgium. September 2016. Image James Garnett.

'Nusatori yama'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

New growth is creamy-pink, turning white or cream with some green in the summer (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). Leaves are three-lobed, sometimes scarcely so or even unlobed and can be smaller than typical for the species, though normal-sized under optimal growing conditions and away from direct sun (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). Autumn colours are yellow to red (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). It is a very sensitive selection, both difficult to propagate and maintain (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). Given its general lack of chlorophyll, retention of some rootstock growth is advised by Vertrees & Gregory (2009) to provide plants with photosynthetic support. An intriguing plant for the specialist collector, but not for general planting.

'Rusty Allen'

Synonyms / alternative names
Acer buergerianum BLOOD MOON^®

A compact selection, developing a pyramidal to oval outline in youth, becoming rounded with age (Dirr & Warren 2019). New growth displays shades of orange, red and purple, the leaves turning green in summer before colouring yellow, orange and red in autumn (Dirr & Warren 2019). Ultimate dimensions are estimated to be to 10 m tall and wide (Dirr & Warren 2019).

'Shirley Debacq'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

An upright tree with bronze-coloured new growth, turning green then orange-yellow to red in autumn (Edwards & Marshall 2019). It was found by A. Pousse, France, in 1995 (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999).

'Subintegrum'

Synonyms / alternative names
Acer buergerianum 'Integrifolium'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

A selection with glossy green leaves with lobes that are often somewhat underdeveloped (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999). This, or a similar form, was noted as being a popular street tree in southern China (van Gelderen, de Jong & Oterdoom 1994).

Acer buergerianum 'Subintegrum'. Westonbirt Arboretum, UK. Late October 2014. Image James Garnett.

'Tancho'

Synonyms / alternative names
Acer buergerianum 'Tanchoh'
Acer buergerianum 'Tancho kaede'

A densely-branched shrubby plant to 2 m (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999), its most notable character is its strongly three-lobed leaves, with distinctly inward rolled leaf margins (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). An old Japansese selection, it is indistinguishable from ‘Naruto’ as a young plant, though attaining smaller dimensions than that selection (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999). Autumn colours are yellow to orange (Vertrees & Gregory 2009).

Acer buergerianum 'Tancho'. Arboretum Chèvreloup, France. October 2015. Image James Garnett.

'Wako-nishiki'

RHS Hardiness Rating: H6

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

A dwarf selection with small variegated leaves that are just 2 cm long and 1 cm wide (van Gelderen, de Jong & Oterdoom 1994), it was introduced to cultivation in 1975, selected by Jiro Kobayashi from a plant in Saitama Prefecture, Japan (Yano 2003), where it was reportedly very popular (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). Leaves emerge pale pink, turning whitish or cream or very pale green, with darker primary veins (Vertrees & Gregory 2009). In an article entitled Whiter than white, Humphrey (2023) suggests that there are “few, if any” other woody plants that produce such white foliage. Slow-growing and difficult to establish (Humphrey 2023), it is a somewhat tricky plant to maintain (Vertrees & Gregory 2009).