Three Flower Maple Tree Seeds

Three-Flower Maple Tree Seeds

(Acer triflorum d.w.)

Acer triflorum, commonly known as Three-Flowered Maple, is a species of maple native to northeastern China, Korea, and parts of Russia. It is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, typically growing to 30-60 feet tall with a trunk up to 50 cm in diameter. 

Key Characteristics:

• Leaves: The leaves are trifoliate, meaning they have three leaflets. Each leaflet is 4-10 cm long and 2-5 cm wide, with a serrated margin and a pointed tip. In autumn, the leaves turn bright shades of yellow, orange, or red.
• Bark: The bark is pale brown, with a distinctive peeling texture that reveals a darker orange-brown inner bark.
• Flowers: The species gets its common name from its flowers, which are grouped in clusters of three. These small, greenish-yellow flowers appear in spring.
• Fruit: The fruit is a samara (a winged seed), typically 3-4 cm long, maturing in late summer to early autumn.

Growth Conditions:

• Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Water: Requires moderate watering, especially during dry periods.
• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 5-7, making it suitable for a variety of temperate climates.

Uses:

• Ornamental: Acer triflorum is often planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks due to its attractive fall foliage and interesting bark texture.
• Ecological: Provides habitat and food for various wildlife species.

Maintenance:

• Pruning: Minimal pruning is required, usually just to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can occasionally be affected by aphids or scale insects.

The Three-Flower Maple tree is valued for its aesthetic appeal and relatively low maintenance needs, making it a popular choice for landscape use.

Zones: 5 to 7

Stratification Requirement: Seed requires a hot water treatment then 5 months warm stratification followed by 90 days cold stratification.

Planting Instructions:

Materials Needed:

1. Acer triflorum seeds
2. Seed-starting soil mix
3. Seed trays or pots
4. Clear plastic cover or plastic bag
5. Cold stratification medium (moist sand, seed-starting mix or peat moss)
6. Refrigerator
7. Watering can or spray bottle
8. Labels and markers

Steps:

1. Seed Preparation

1. Soaking: Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to help break dormancy.

2. Cold Stratification

Three-Flower Maple tree seeds require a cold stratification period to mimic winter conditions.

1. Prepare Stratification Medium: Prepare a zip-bag half-full with seed starting mix. Ensure the medium is damp but not waterlogged.
2. Stratification: Place the soaked seeds into the stratification medium. 
3. Refrigeration: Seed requires a hot water treatment then 5 months warm stratification followed by 90 days cold stratification

3. Planting

1. Seed Trays or Pots: Fill seed trays or pots with seed-starting soil mix.
2. Sowing: Remove the seeds from the stratification medium. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil.
3. Moisture: Water the soil thoroughly and keep it consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
4. Covering: Cover the trays or pots with a clear plastic cover or place them in a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
5. Location: Place the trays or pots in a bright location with indirect sunlight. A temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) is ideal.

4. Germination and Growth

1. Monitoring: Check the seeds regularly for signs of germination. This process can take several weeks to a few months.
2. Ventilation: Once seedlings emerge, remove the plastic cover or bag to improve air circulation and prevent mold growth.
3. Transplanting: When seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and are strong enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.

5. Care

1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.
2. Light: Ensure the seedlings receive adequate light, either through natural sunlight or grow lights.
3. Hardening Off: Before planting the seedlings outdoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day, increasing the duration over a week or two.

6. Planting Outdoors

1. Site Selection: Choose a location with well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun.
2. Planting: Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. Place the seedling in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
3. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the seedling to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

By following these steps, you can successfully grow Three-Flower Maple trees from seeds and enjoy the beauty of this unique maple tree in your garden.