Paperbark Maple

Paperbark maple, Acer griseum, is a slow-growing small tree treasured above all for its exfoliating bark in shades of cinnamon, copper and mahogany that curls away to reveal smooth orange new bark beneath.

It has compound leaves of three leaflets (trifoliate), unusual among maples, that turn brilliant scarlet and orange in fall, often weeks after other trees.

Compact size, refined habit and peeling bark that glows in winter sun make it one of the most prized specimen trees for small gardens, though it is slow and somewhat expensive to establish.

• Bark: the signature feature, cinnamon-brown to mahogany, peeling in thin papery curls all year, even on young branches
• Leaves: trifoliate (three leaflets), bluish-green above and silvery beneath, turning vivid red and orange in late autumn
• Habit: small, upright to rounded tree, slow-growing to about 20-30 ft
• Seeds: paired winged samaras (helicopters) typical of maples, often sterile
• Winter interest: bare branches reveal the glowing peeling bark

Light: full sun to part shade; some afternoon shade is welcome in hot regions, but good light enhances fall color.

Water: keep the soil evenly moist, especially while young; it dislikes both drought and waterlogging.

Soil: fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; tolerates clay better than many maples.

Feeding: a light spring mulch of compost is usually enough.

Pruning: minimal; remove crossing or damaged branches in late summer to keep the elegant form. Avoid spring pruning when sap flows.

Propagation: difficult, as seed has very low viability; grafting and stratified seed are used by specialists.

Acer griseum is native to central China, where it grows in mixed mountain forests and along valleys. It was introduced to Western gardens by plant collector Ernest Wilson in 1901.

It is now an uncommon but highly valued ornamental in temperate gardens (USDA zones 4-8), and is considered rare and threatened in parts of its native Chinese range.