
What does a paperbark maple tree look like?
Paperbark maple trees are small trees that grow to 35 feet (11 m.) over some 20 years. The beautiful bark is a deep shade of cinnamon and it peels off in thin, papery sheets. In some places it is polished, smooth, and shiny. In summer the leaves are a soft shade of blue green on the upper side, and a frosty white on the underside.
Can you grow a paperbark maple in a pot?
It can also be grown for years in a large pot, as a unique patio specimen, and it is very popular as a bonsai tree too. Either a sunny or partially-shaded spot is ideal to grow the Paperbark Maple. It will grow in any kind of soil that is well-drained but not dry.
How much sun does a paperbark maple tree need?
Paperbark maples thrive in both full sun and partial shade, so you can place them in a variety of locations where they can get between two and six hours of light daily.

How fast does paperbark maple tree grow?
6 to 12 inches per yearGrowth rate is slow, 6 to 12 inches per year over a 10 to 15 year period. Trees do best in moist, well-drained soils, both acid and alkaline. Trees perform well in clay soils. Paperbark maple grows best in full sun although tolerates partial shade.
How tall do paperbark maples grow?
How to Grow and Care for a Paperbark Maple TreeCommon NamePaperbark mapleFamilySapindaceaePlant TypeDeciduous treeMature Size20–30 ft. tall, 15–25 ft. wideSun ExposureFull sun, partial shade7 more rows•Jan 10, 2022
Is paperbark maple A good tree?
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.
Is paperbark maple a messy tree?
If you are seeking to plant a tree as a piece of living sculpture this fall, consider the paperbark maple. It has clean, deep green leaves that turn a showy deep red-orange in the fall. But it is during the winter when its decorative, glossy and exfoliating bark stands out the most.
Can you prune paperbark trees?
However, during the early stages of the tree's life, pruning is a necessity to ensure vigour and keep the tree healthy. We also recommend trimming and pruning the paperbarks after they are done flowering.
What is the best shade tree for a small yard?
12 Shade Trees for Small LandscapesCrape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) joins azaleas and magnolias as Southern staples. ... American Hornbeam. ... Washington Hawthorn. ... Saucer Magnolia. ... Flowering Dogwood. ... Kousa Dogwood. ... Japanese Snowbell. ... Paperbark Maple.More items...
Is paperbark maple A Japanese maple?
1:0611:00ACER GRISEUM PAPER BARK MAPLE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo it gives it a unique characteristic. Throughout each part of the year that cinnamon colored barkMoreSo it gives it a unique characteristic. Throughout each part of the year that cinnamon colored bark is what makes this tree.
Is paperbark maple Evergreen?
Acer griseum (paperbark maple) is a small, slow growing, deciduous tree, which is native to central China.
Are paperbark maples drought tolerant?
Though it prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade, it performs well in deeper shade and in clay or compacted soils, providing drainage is adequate. In the Pacific Northwest, established trees are considered drought tolerant, needing only occasional watering during our dry summers.
How tall do paperbark trees grow?
8 to 25 metres tallA medium sized to tall tree, growing from 8 to 25 metres tall and 5 to 10 metres wide, with lovely thick soft papery bark in cream to brown shades.
Can you keep an Acer griseum small?
It's perfect for growing as a small specimen tree in a mixed border or front garden, where its beauty can be fully appreciated.
How do you plant a paperbark maple tree?
Plant paperbark maples in full sun to part shade and in moist, well-drained soil. They do not tolerate drought, so keep them watered and mulched, and in warm climates avoid planting in full sun, which may cause leaf burn. These trees experience few if any problems with insects or disease.
How tall do paperbark trees grow?
8 to 25 metres tallA medium sized to tall tree, growing from 8 to 25 metres tall and 5 to 10 metres wide, with lovely thick soft papery bark in cream to brown shades.
Can you keep an Acer griseum small?
It's perfect for growing as a small specimen tree in a mixed border or front garden, where its beauty can be fully appreciated.
Is Acer griseum invasive?
Though this lack of viability is frustrating to a propagator, the upside is that this species has little potential of becoming invasive.
Is Acer griseum endangered?
It is endangered in China, its natural habitat, from the encroaching boundaries of human activity.
How tall is UNH's paperbark maple?
Quite belatedly, here's UNH's paperbark maple, planted a bit too close to the building IMO. It's the one closest to the building and is probably a bit over 15' tall. I know that it's been there at least 10 years since it was good sized when I first encountered it in 2008, but I don't know how much older than that it is.
What is a nice small tree with flowers that hummers like?
Possibly check out Aesculus pavia as well. That is a nice small tree with flowers the hummers like.
Do fringe trees look better when left as multi trunk?
If you went with that approach most of the trees you mentioned would work. However, the fringe tree leafs out awfully late and it does look better when it is left as a multi-trunk tree so it forms much more of a large vase. I would rule that one out first.
Does Cinnamon Bark Maple grow big?
I love our Acer griseum, Cinnamon Bark Maple--- it's one of our favorite trees because of the bright exfoliating bark and narrow growth habit. Yes, it does take years for it to reach its full height. Still, "small" for a tree can get pretty big. We've had ours for just one year and it's grown very slightly. We bought it locally after originally seeing a fairly mature one at Kent Gardens & Nursery Center in Kent, CT.
Is a Cornus Kousa tree too broad?
We also have a Cornus Kousa 'Wolf Eyes' but I agree ---no, that tree will get much too broad for your area even if you continually prune it.
How big does a paperbark maple tree get?
When mature, the paperbark maple grows to about 15 to 30 feet tall and wide, usually with an oval to a rounded oval shape. In rare instances, old trees may grow as high as 40 feet.
What is the color of paperbark maple?
Paperbark maple is a relatively small deciduous tree that provides unique beauty to the landscape, thanks to its fall color (typical of maples) and its peeling copper-orange to reddish-brown bark (quite unusual for maples).
What is the best tree for bonsai?
Due to its slow growth, paperbarks are popular among bonsai enthusiasts . Paperbark maple is a good choice when you want to have color in all seasons. The peeling reddish-brown bark is very attractive against a snowy background.
How old is a maple tree when it starts peeling?
The papery, peeling bark that gives this tree its name doesn't appear until the tree is six or seven years old. Once it starts, the bark continues to peel for the rest of its life. Acer griseum is the only maple species with this type of peeling bark.
How long does it take for a paperbark maple tree to grow?
This tree grows more slowly than many maples and may take 20 years to reach full height. Its slow-growing habit also means it can be a relatively expensive tree to purchase from garden centers. Paperbark maples produce greenish flowers in spring (usually April), but the blooms are not significant.
How to propagate a sugar maple tree?
Propagating. You can propagate this tree using cuttings, grafting or seed. For grafting, use the sugar maple ( Acer saccharum) as the rootstock for best results. The germination rate of seeds is very low, so cuttings are the best option.
When do paperbark maples bloom?
Paperbark maples produce greenish flowers in spring (usually April), but the blooms are not significant. The flowers then give way to the familiar maple seed samaras (winged seed pods), about 1 1/4 inches long. The seeds are unusually large for maples. Botanical Name. Acer griseum.
How big does a paperbark maple get?
Average Size at Maturity. Slowly reaches 25 ft. tall, 15 to 20 ft. wide. Bloom Time. Inconspicuous; prized for foliage. Design Ideas.
What is a handsome tree?
A handsome tree with an oval to rounded crown, an open habit, and upright branching. Soft green leaves turn scarlet in fall. Becomes distinctive and elegant with age, as its papery sheets of bark peel to reveal cinnamon-brown new bark. An excellent small landscape specimen or woodland understory accent. Deciduous.
What is a paperbark maple tree?
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 warm up to brilliant red and orange in the fall before shedding for the winter. Slow-growing, this maple tree is an outstanding four-season tree that is enjoyed by gardeners as it graces the landscape. A must for those who appreciate winter bark interest!
How tall is winter bark?
Grows up to 20-30 ft. tall ( 6-9 m) and 15-25 ft. wide (4.5-7.5 m).
What color are acer leaves?
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 warm up to brilliant red and orange in the fall before shedding for the winter.
What is paperbark maple?
Paperbark Maple is a compact, ornamental maple tree that can be used just about anywhere in the landscape. A favorite for yards of all shapes and sizes, this tree is best placed where people can admire it’s unique beauty.
What color are trifoliate maple leaves?
A small tree of rare beauty, this trifoliate maple’s compound leaves give it a delicate texture in summer, then display long lasting red fall color. Exfoliating orange-brown to cinnamon-brown bark creates year round interest.
How tall does a paperbark maple tree get?
It has spectacular fall coloring, turning dramatic shades of red, orange and ever pink as the cooler weather arrives. It grows into the perfect small tree for smaller gardens, or as an accent tree in larger ones. It will grow steadily to around 10 or 20 feet tall, with an upright, attractive oval form. Eventually it may reach 30 feet, but it will never grow into a giant tree. This makes it ideal for a smaller space. It can also be grown for years in a large pot, as a unique patio specimen, and it is very popular as a bonsai tree too.
What is the bark color of a paperbark maple?
The Paperbark Maple has bark that is a handsome cinnamon-orange color. It peels away in large, papery strips, creating rich textures and great beauty. Everyone who sees this tree is struck by the beauty of the bark effects, which are always changing with the seasons and never look the same on any different day.
What are the features of a tree?
When choosing trees for the garden, we look for different features that make a particular tree interesting. Perhaps it is attractive foliage, fall color, flowers, or maybe suitable size or the ability to withstand drought. Although we might take some interest in the bark, it is not usually top of our list – but sometimes it should be. There are some trees where the bark is the most outstanding feature, and because special bark is not very common, this unusual feature is worth seeking out. For the best gardens, we should choose plants with as many different features as possible. This is where the Paperbark Maple comes into the picture. Of the relatively small number of plants with attractive bark, this tree stands out as la crème de la crème.
What is paper bark maple?
The Paperbark Maple has bark that is a handsome cinnamon-orange color. It peels away in large, papery strips, creating rich textures and great beauty. Everyone who sees this tree is struck by the beauty of the bark effects, which are always changing with the seasons and never look the same on any different day. The bark strips curl, hang, and open out in fascinating and varied ways. The bark does not fall, but remains attached in thinner and thinner strips, until it naturally wears away. Along with the remarkable bark coloring, the effect is extremely attractive and unique in the plant world.
What do maple leaves look like?
The leaves may not look like Maple, but they do turn spectacular shades of orange red and pink in fall , rivaling the other Maples Trees for fall beauty. This is a second valuable garden feature of this plant, making it a great addition to any garden. We know that this is a maple because after the clusters of small yellow-green flowers that come in spring, bunches of typical maple ‘keys’ form, which turn brown by fall and hang on the tree in winter, a third attractive feature of this tree.
What color are the leaves on a maple tree?
Each leaf is divided into three parts, each one slightly separated from the others, but all on a single short stalk from the stem. The leaves may not look like Maple, but they do turn spectacular shades of orange red and pink in fall, rivaling the other Maples Trees for fall beauty.
When do maple trees turn brown?
We know that this is a maple because after the clusters of small yellow-green flowers that come in spring, bunches of typical maple ‘keys’ form, which turn brown by fall and hang on the tree in winter, a third attractive feature of this tree.
What is a paperbark maple?
var. griseum Franch, is a rather well known tree plant by gardening enthusiasts around the world.
What kind of soil do paperbark maples like?
As mentioned earlier, the Paperbark Maple prefers to have soil with good drainage, and moist properties at all times, reason why you need to make the soil mix out of clay, loam, chalk, and sand.
How much sun does an Acer Griseum need?
Specifically, we recommend that you place your Acer Griseum in little to partial shade (only 2-6 hours of direct sunlight a day), to full and direct sun (more 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
What type of garden does Acer Griseum look good in?
Most Acer Griseum owners agree that this tree will look great in most asian/zen and rustic gardens of all types. Other owners consider that they complement well most gardens of informal and cottage, city and courtyard, and in traditional garden styles.
What are the three elements that make up a paperbark maple?
That’s it – sunlight, water and soil ! The basic 3 fundamentals for all plant care, and with the Paperbark Maple this is no exception. With these three elements, your leafy friend will live healthy and happy.
How big can an Acer grow?
The Acer Griseum can grow up to 20′ – 30′ (6m – 9m) in 20′ – 30′ (6m – 9m) and 15′ – 25′ (4.5m – 7.5m) in 15′ – 25′ (4.5m – 7.5m).
When does paperbark maple shed its leaves?
As with other Acer’s, the Paperbark Maple is a deciduous plant, which means it will shed its leaves annually once autumn comes.
What is the color of paperbark maple?
The Paperbark Maple is one of the last trees to turn color in the fall and is often very brilliant shades of vibrant red and orange colors. It’s all about the Bark ! The Paperbark Maple is loved and admired for its unique cinnamon colored bark which is beautiful throughout the seasons.
What is a paperbark maple tree?
For those that aren’t familiar with this tree, the Paperbark Maple, Acer griseum, is an excellent small specimen tree which is beautiful throughout the seasons. The tree has a rather sculptural habit, small stature and attractive foliage. The fine textured trifoliate leaves emerge in mid to late spring. These new baby leaflets are red tinged when they first come out. The Paperbark Maple is one of the last trees to turn color in the fall and is often very brilliant shades of vibrant red and orange colors.
How hard is it to reproduce paperbark maple?
The Paperbark Maple is very difficult to reproduce. It produces very few viable seed. The viability rate has been listed at just 1 to 8%. Even in it’s native habitat, the Paperbark Maple is not found in great abundance.
Is paperbark maple tolerant of clay soil?
The Paperbark Maple prefers well drained moist soils and is very tolerant of the clay soils found here in Northern Virginia . The exposure can be full sun to partial shade. It is unusual in that it will offer brilliant fall color even when grown in partial shade.
What is paperbark maple?
Paperbark maples are prized for their beautiful exfoliating bark, creating a showpiece in the winter garden. Sometimes, the crowning touch needed for a garden isn't a spectacular bed of annuals or a soothing water feature, but one ornamental tree that simply wows you.
When do maple trees turn green?
This maple’s show begins in early spring when leaves with three lobes emerge that are green on top and silver underneath, providing a nice though small shade tree throughout the summer. In late autumn, the foliage transforms into a kaleidoscope of fall color, from bright yellow and orange to vibrant reds and crimson.
How tall is a sage tree?
A native of China, this ornamental specimen is a slow-growing but long-living deciduous tree that’s hardy to zone 4. Its stately, upright form can reach 25 to 30 feet tall with a spread of about 20 feet. Because its crown is not dense, it creates filtered shade, allowing plants to grow underneath the tree.
Can paperbark maple trees be planted on a deck?
For those reasons, paperbark maple ( Acer griseum ) should be planted near a patio or deck where it can be enjoyed up close and personal.
Appearance
Overview
- Paperbark maple (sometimes spelled paper bark) is a member of the Sapindaceae family of plants, with a species classification of Acer griseum. It originally comes from central China and was brought to England by E. H. Wilson in 1899. It was soon brought to the U.S. by the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Occasionally, you may see this tree classified as Acer nikoens…
Usage
- Unlike many maples, paperbark maple is an excellent small tree for small yards, where it can work well as an ornamental specimen near a deck or patio. It can also work well as a lower-level tree below a towering canopy of taller trees. It is also a popular tree for bonsai enthusiasts, thanks in part to its slow-growing nature.
Cultivation
- Paperbark maple is a good choice in areas where clay soil makes other trees problematic. Once it is well established, this species is fairly tolerant of drought. Grow this maple in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, placing it in a location with full sun or partial sun. The best soil will be moist with good drainage, but the tree can thrive in many different soil types and textures, including clay soi…
Management
- Soon after planting, you will need to decide if you want the tree to have a single trunk or multiple stems. To train it as a single-trunk specimen, choose a central leader and prune away all others. Other than this, not much pruning is requiredjust periodically remove any dead, diseased or damaged wood you notice. Pruning is best done as soon as the tree enters dormancy in late fall …
Ecology
- For the most part, paperbark maple is remarkably free of problems from pests and diseases. You may see aphids, caterpillars, mites, and scale on this tree, but these pests are rarely life-threatening. Potential diseases include: