Miyasama trident maple
BeginnerAcer buergerianum 'Miyasama'
Said to descend from a Taiwanese trident maple brought to the Fushimi-no-miya imperial household, and also called Taiwan kaede. It branches more densely and colours more brightly in autumn than ordinary trident maple, and is used for small bonsai and group plantings.
About
Miyasama kaede is a strain of trident maple (Acer buergerianum), the tree bonsai growers simply call kaede. Trident maple is a deciduous tree of the soapberry family native to the Yangtze region of south-east China and Taiwan; it reached Japan as a gift to the Tokugawa shogunate in 1724. Its shallowly three-lobed leaves and a trunk that tolerates pruning and swells into knobby forms suit bonsai, and it thickens quickly even from seed, making it a popular beginner tree. A Japanese tree guide describes the Taiwanese trident maple as branching more densely and colouring better in autumn, and says it is also called Miyasama kaede because the stock descends from a tree brought from Taiwan to the Fushimi-no-miya household. A bonsai guide likewise lists 'Miyasama kaede (Taiwan kaede)' alongside the common trident maple. Finer branching and autumn colour are the guides to telling it from ordinary trident maple, but young plants are hard to distinguish, and cutting-grown stock is sold under the name. Buy from a grower who can vouch for the source if the strain matters. As tough and free-budding as the parent species, it is sold as rooted cuttings, group plantings and small bonsai.
Size of the Miyasama trident maple
The Miyasama trident maple grows to Trident maple reaches 10–20 m, but Miyasama is mostly sold as rooted cuttings and small bonsai.
Basic Info
Origin
Said to derive from Taiwanese trident maple (stock descended from a tree at the Fushimi-no-miya household)
Lifespan
Little data for this strain
Size
Trident maple reaches 10–20 m, but Miyasama is mostly sold as rooted cuttings and small bonsai
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (April–September, pausing from the rainy season through midsummer)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Full sun from spring to the rainy season; from then through summer keep under 70–80% shade cloth. Remove it after early September to bring out autumn colour
Watering
Large leaf area dries it quickly: 1–2 times daily in spring, 2–3 in summer, every 2–3 days in winter. Water less just after defoliation
Temperature & overwintering
Cold-hardy, but dry winter wind or snow can kill twigs. After 2–3 frosts shelter it under the bench, and bring it out once late frosts are over
Soil & repotting
Roots grow fast and pot-bind easily. Repot young and small trees yearly and mature ones every 2 years, mid-Feb to early March before budbreak
Fertilizer
Light organic fertilizer every 30–40 days April–September, pausing in the rainy season and midsummer. Feed mature trees sparingly to avoid leggy growth
Pruning & styling
From mid-April, when 2–3 leaf pairs open, pinch shoots back to 1–2 nodes; repeat 2–3 times until September to build twigs. Defoliate vigorous trees
Pests & cautions
Tough, but watch for aphids, scale and longhorn beetle borers; dormant-season spraying is the main prevention. Young plants are hard to tell from ordinary trident maple
Miyasama trident maple FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Miyasama trident maple?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Miyasama trident maple get?
The mature size of Miyasama trident maple is Trident maple reaches 10–20 m, but Miyasama is mostly sold as rooted cuttings and small bonsai. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Miyasama trident maple?
Miyasama trident maple: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (April–September, pausing from the rainy season through midsummer). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Miyasama trident maple?
The price of Miyasama trident maple varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Acer buergerianum 'Miyasama' Miq.
Synonyms: Acer buergerianum subsp. ningpoense (Hance) A.E.Murray
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · GBIF: Acer buergerianum var. formosanum（タイワントウカエデ）
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. 'Miyasama kaede' is not a variety registered under the Plant Variety Protection Act (no entry in the MAFF database, checked Sept 2026).
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search) / MAFF Plant Variety Registration Database
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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