Gary W. Graham, Ohio State University Extension, Northeast District; James A. Chatfield, Ohio State University Extension, Northeast District and Department of Horticulture and Crop Science; Kenneth D. Cochran, Secrest Arboretum of The Ohio State University Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, Ohio.
Acer buergerianum. Trident Maple.
This small (20 to 30 foot) native Chinese maple is one of the mainstays of bonsai horticulturists. The species has three-lobed leaves, variable red to purple fall coloration, and a preference for acid soils and full sun. It is an excellent patio tree and may be a good choice for landscape planters.
The most prominent specimen in the Arboretum is Acer buergerianum ssp. formosanum 'Naruto,' which is an unusual curled-leaved cultivar. It seems at first simply an oddity and a not-so-pleasing oddity at that, but the dark glossy leaves with dissected lobes become more and more attractive with maturity and familiarity. It grows on you!
It is great for plant diagnostic teasers, since the curled leaves seem suggestive of curling due to drought injury, growth-regulator herbicide injury, or aphid infestations. This specimen was given to the arboretum by Lake County nurseryman Tim Brotzman eight year ago, and, though some information is suggestive of hardiness issues, it has thrived in that time, including a transplanting to a sunnier site and will be propagated and trialed at other arboretum sites.
This specimen is found to the north of the Azalea Allee near the deciduous azaleas, just at the top of the hill.