Tree of the month JUNE: Paperbark Maple!

Acer griseum, or commonly known as Paperbark Maple is a deciduous specimen tree of great beauty and aesthetic value.  Most notable for its exfoliating red bark, it also has exceptional fall foliage color, which varies slightly tree to tree

. Its upright oval to round growth habit is consistent with most Maple trees, however this species of Maple is slower growing and shorter than most of the genus Acer. Only reaching approximately 20 to 30’ and may grow up to 50’ after many years. The oldest specimen in the United States is said to be over 100 years old, far older Paperbark Maples can be found in other parts of the world. It’s native to central China, grown in Europe and was introduced to the United States in 1901. The Paperbark Maple hardiness zone extends from zones 5 to 7 for good growth, but will survive in zones 4 and 8. Connecticut fall into roughly zone 6, moreover this is the perfect latitude for the Paperbark.

The attractive bark is reddish bronze to cinnamon brown, with the older bark exfoliating paper thin sheets exposing smooth satin textured red/ bronze. It’s as though a Maple tree was crossed with Himalayan Paper Birch and Japanese Cherry trees. The leaves are maple like, but are known as trifoliate, which means the leaf is separated into three leaflets as can be in the Box Elder (Acer negundo). The leaf color Usually is a dark bluish green with a silvery gray underside (this is where the Latin name for gray comes in, griseus), this turns to bronze, russet red, vibrant red, and even to red orange with pink tones depending on the individual tree and climate. The Paperbark Maple does not produce showy flowers, and the maple samara (helicopter) seed pod is usually devoid of seed. This makes propagation from seed problematic at best. Cuttings and cloning are used as well, but with equal difficulty.

The Paperbark Maple is not susceptible to any serious pest or disease problems, however certain cultural practices should be observed. It should be planted in a moist slightly acidic and well-drained soil, and watered regularly due to its lack of drought tolerance. Full sun to part shade, planted in groves, forest borders or singularly in a backyard are all good for this spectacular specimen tree.

Written by Rick Caldwell, 

ISA arborist, Horticultural expert and 19 years experienced tree climber and crew leader