Acer triflorum vs. Acer griseum

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plantaholic2 N Middlesex County, MA(Zone 5a) Apr 30, 2006

I was looking for an Acer triflorum this year and a nearby garden center said they had 3 leftover from last year in 5 gallon pots. They were still packed in winter mulch til just this past week. When I went there to get it, it turns out they were really Acer griseum's. Which, of course, is a wonderful plant too. But somewhere along the way I had noted that triflorum is hardier and better fall color. I am in a low-lying cold spot of Zone 5 and I do have hardiness issues. I think I have read that folks have had trouble with A. griseum, but I can't recall the details.

So I just went to forestfarm to look at triflorum and they listed it as a zone 6!!! I thought it was a Z4 or at least a Z5.

So now I am thinking of getting the griseum. I just don't know... Any thoughts on the hardiness issue and other differences between the two trees?







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stressbaby Fulton, MO Apr 30, 2006

The most obvious thing...the A triflorum bark is far less showy than A. griseum.

A. triflorum leafs out about 10-14 days earlier for me. The A. triflorum is perfectly happy being a single trunked tree limbed up a few feet, whereas the A. griseum wants to some degree to be a multitrunk tree. It sends branches and shoots from the bottom. Both seem perfectly fine here in 5b/6a.

Post #2234924
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StarhillForest Illinois, IL(Zone 5b) Apr 30, 2006

Both grow fine here too, in the middle of zone 5. A. griseum is one of the last maples to leaf out for us, always scaring us by playing dead until about now. I like the bark of both, and I think I might prefer A. triflorum if I have to make a choice.

Guy S.

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treelover3 Minneapolis, MN(Zone 5a) Apr 30, 2006

Acer triflorum is perfectly hardy here in Minneapolis (in USDA zone 4a). I have had an A. triflorum in my backyard for several years.

Acer griseum, on the other hand, does not do very well here. To be on the safe side, I would plant the A. triflorum. I would purchase the plant in the fall, too, since fall color is quite variable in this species. When I purchased my tree, the tree I chose was the only one that was bright red, the others all had a yucky (note the very technical lingo(:o) yellow-brown fall color.
My .02
Mike

Post #2236290
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treelover3 Minneapolis, MN(Zone 5a) Apr 30, 2006

I should also say that there is an Acer triflorum in the Lyndale Park Arboretum that has been there for quite a few years. That particular tree has seen -30 F with no damage.
Mike

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Galanthophile North East England, United Kingdom(Zone 8a) May 01, 2006

I'm biased as I only have griseum and love it. The autumn colour is superb but as you say it is late to leaf - no signs on mine even now! Good luck with whatever you choose. They are both wonderful trees.

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