It has yellowish-brown exfoliating bark that peels in woody scales rather than papery pieces like Acer griseum.

[1][2] Even more than its relatives, three-flower maple has spectacular fall colour that may include brilliant orange, scarlet, purple and gold.

It grows at a slow to moderate rate and prefers moist, well drained soil; growth is often shrub-like in cultivation.

[3] Propagation is similar to that required for Acer griseum and the number of viable seeds is likewise very small.

[2] In Great Britain, the largest specimens are up to 13 m (43 ft) tall, and 60 cm (24 in) trunk diameter (Tree Register of the British Isles).