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Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple)

Paperbark Maple, Acer nikoense (Miq.) Maxim. var. griseum Franch

AGM Award
Acer griseum, Paperbark Maple
Acer griseum, Paperbark Maple
Acer griseum, Paperbark Maple
Acer griseum, Paperbark Maple, Acer nikoense (Miq.) Maxim. var. griseum Franch, Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree, Peeling Bark
Acer griseum, Paperbark Maple

Noted for its exfoliating bark and showy fall color, award-winning Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) is a small spreading deciduous tree that is highly desirable. The chestnut-brown bark of both its trunk and branches constantly peels into thin, tight curls, revealing brighter cinnamon-red wood beneath. Even the youngest stems contribute to this pleasing peeling bark effect. Equally attractive is the foliage of three-lobed leaves, typical of most Acers. Dark green above but frosty blue-green underneath in spring and summer, the delicately textured leaves turn brilliant red and orange in the fall before shedding for the winter. Slow-growing, this maple tree is an outstanding four-season tree enjoyed by gardeners as it graces the landscape. A must for those who appreciate winter bark interest!

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
  • Grows up to 20-30 ft. tall (6-9 m) and 15-25 ft. wide (4.5-7.5 m).
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, well-drained soils. Intolerant of drought. This tree is a good choice for areas with clay soil.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant in cottage gardens, city gardens, or foundation plantings.
  • Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning. If pruning is necessary, prune during the dormant season and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running.
  • May be affected by horse chestnut scale, aphids, and verticillium wilt.
  • Propagate by seed or grafting
  • Native of China

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Sapindaceae
Genus Acer
Common names Maple, Paperbark Maple
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 20' - 30'
(6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread 15' - 25'
(4.6m - 7.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Acer palmatum ‘Fireglow’ (Japanese Maple)
Acer palmatum ‘Ariadne’ (Japanese Maple)
Acer palmatum ‘Sumi-Nagashi’ (Japanese Maple)
Acer palmatum ‘Pixie’ (Japanese Maple)
Acer pseudoplatanus ‘Brilliantissimum’ (Sycamore Maple)
Acer ginnala (Amur Maple)

Recommended Companion Plants

Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ (Tatarian Dogwood)
Erica carnea ‘December Red’ (Winter Heath)
Helleborus (Hellebore)
Hakonechloa macra (Hakone Grass)
Hosta (Plantain Lily)
Galanthus (Snowdrop)

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Native Plant Alternatives to Acer platanoides (Norway Maple)
Shrubs and Trees with Attractive Winter Bark
Best Companion Plants for Camellias
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Sapindaceae
Genus Acer
Common names Maple, Paperbark Maple
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 20' - 30'
(6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread 15' - 25'
(4.6m - 7.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Acer (Maple)
Guides with
Acer (Maple)
Not sure which Acer (Maple) to pick?
Compare Now

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