Acer triflorum (Three-flowered Maple) is a small, deciduous tree native to Northeast Asia that matures around 20-30 feet high. Due to its small stature and highly ornamental features, it makes an excellent specimen for a prized location in any garden. Although the tree is extremely ornamental, the name is derived from the inconspicuous clusters of three flowers borne in early April. At first glance, Acer triflorum may be confused with its close relative Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) due to similarities in leaf shape and bark texture, but the beauty of the Three-flowered Maple exceeds the Paperbark Maple in every way! While both trees feature a highly exfoliating bark texture, the Three-flowered Maple bark exfoliates in large vertical wooden flakes as opposed to the more curled and papery bark of the Paperbark Maple. The color of Acer trifolium bark is varying shades of light golden brown and beige (Paperbark Maple has a dark, cinnamon colored bark), which helps it stand out quite beautifully during the winter months. While both trees have tri-foliate compound leaves, Acer triflorum leaves turn stunning hues ranging from yellow to orange to red, which most gardeners would say outshine the fall color of Acer griseum.

I mentioned this tree deserves a prime location for year-round viewing and you may not have seen our current specimens which reside in Royce Rhododendron Garden (2020-0317) and the Pinetum Extension (2019-0005) which are a bit off the beaten path. This fall, we are planting many new specimens up front and center in the vicinity of the new Visitor Center. This project has given us an opportunity to increase the diversity of our collections and plant rare species such as the Three-flowered Maple. 

The difficulty in acquiring this species lies in its propagation. About 95% of seed in unviable and requires a double dormancy sequence to germinate, and it is extremely difficult to root from cuttings, so it is not widely available in the nursery industry. Once acquired the Three-flowered Maple will impress on disease-resistance, drought resistance, pollution tolerance, and will always, as Dr. Michael Dirr described, “like the postal service, … deliver on fall color”.

Acer triflorum (Three-flowered Maple) is one of the unique trees that is available to the public as a tribute tree in the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Visitor Center Fundraiser.

-Jessica O'Callahan, Horticulture Coordinator

The opening of the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Visitor Center is scheduled for Spring of 2024. We are halfway there! It has taken a lot of hard work to get to this point, but we could not be happier with the progress. We now look ahead to what the Visitor Center will provide for the Arboretum and our community for many years to come.

Please join us and support the efforts of the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Visitor Center. In the deed of gift (1934) which established the Arboretum as we know it, Mrs. Cutting specifically writes about the importance of education and community to fulfill her vision of the property as a public entity. The Visitor Center will be an educational hub for patrons, volunteers, school groups, and local communities. It will be a meeting place with interactive exhibits that will inspire visitors to discover the beauty of nature. We are asking our community to become a part of this vision and support the ongoing efforts of the Visitor Center and Bayard Cutting Arboretum as a whole. It takes a village “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”

We are happy to announce a new tree and engraved paver program where you can leave a lasting legacy on the patio of the new Visitor Center.

 

All funds from our generous donors will go towards:

 

This is an opportunity for you to become part of the future at Bayard Cutting Arboretum!

$500: Engraved paver (6”x12”) located on the new Visitor Center patio.

$2,500: Engraved paver (6”x12”) with a maple leaf icon and a newly planted tribute tree. These unique accent trees include the Three-Flowered Maple, Chinese Tree Lilac, and Japanese White Pine. Meet us personally to discuss the tree location and type you may be interested in.

$3,500: Engraved paver (6”x12”) with an oak leaf icon and a newly planted tribute tree. These unique canopy trees include White Oak, Overcup Oak, Willow Oak, American Hornbeam, and European Hornbeam. Meet us personally to discuss the tree location and type you may be interested in.

Contact Kevin Wiecks, Director via email (kevin.wiecks@parks.ny.gov) or call us at 631-581-1002 for more information.

Box turtle on the move through the Old Pinetum.

Joy Arden, Landscape Curator

Join the Arboretum Director, Kevin Wiecks, on a tour of the new plantings and special additions of 2023.

Upcoming Dates: August 5, September 2

Join certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo of Wild Heart Nature Connection, on a walk to reconnect with the natural world around us. We’ll slow down, wander and notice what most of the world simply walks past; the beauty of nature in any season. We’ll do some grounding, connect with the trees and water, and even create some nature art together.

Walk length: 120 minutes; please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and warm clothing for walking outdoors.

Fee: $40 per person.

Since 2014, Victoria has been offering watercolor workshops on the grounds of the Bayard Cutting Arboretum bringing patrons in to paint the beautiful surroundings, learn and practice a new skill and have a fun, relaxing day of painting.

All supplies are provided and no experience is necessary. You will be given hands on instruction, demonstration and guidance to create your masterpiece!

Please visit our website for her 2023 workshop schedule. You may also call Victoria if you have any question at (631) 374-2099

Every Saturday and Sunday from 1 PM – 4 PM

Granny’s Attic is a volunteer-run thrift store, contributing 100% of profits to Bayard Cutting Arboretum. Save your old or new unwanted treasures and donate them to our Granny’s Attic. Visit and you may find the many treasures that sit there waiting for you!

We welcome you and your children to explore our program. Tours are available on Tuesdays at 9:30 am starting June 13, 2023. Reservations are required and payment must be made in advance. For more information, please contact Carolann Gaites, Volunteer Coordinator, at 631-581-1002, ext. 105.

Call Main Office for more information. 631-581-1002