- Botanical name: Acer griseum
- Common name: Paperbark maple
- Family: Sapindaceae
- Plant Type: Tree, Deciduous
Yellow
Green
- Key features:
- Autumn colour
- Colourful bark
- Dramatic foliage
Acer griseum (paperbark maple) is a slow-growing, spreading tree with dark red or chestnut bark, which flakes and peels back to reveal new, smooth, orange-red bark beneath. It’s common name of paperbark maple is due to its habit of peeling bark, which looks like paper when it starts to come away from the tree. In autumn its dark green leaves develop fantastic shades of red and orange. These leaves then fall to reveal the papery bark, which forms a focal point throughout winter. It’s an incredibly ornamental tree and deserves a prominent spot where it’s year-round beauty can be fully appreciated. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Paperbark maple grows to a maximum of height of 10 metres so is idea for a small garden. It lives to an average of 100 years but is slow growing – you will likely never see its mature height.
Grow Acer griseum in moist but well-drained soil in sun to partial shade. Mulch annually with well-rotted manure or compost. There’s very little need to prune, but if you need to remove damaged or disease branches, prune Acer griseum from November to January, as this is when the plant is dormant – acers “bleed” sap if pruned too early.
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Advice on buying paperbark maple
- Paperbark maple is slow growing so buy as large a specimen as you can afford
- You may find paperbark maple at your local garden centre but you’ll find more choice online
- Always check plants for signs of disease or damage before buying
Where to buy paperbark maple
How to grow Acer griseum
-
Plant size
10m height
10m spread
-
Aspect
North facing, south facing, east facing, west facing
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Acidic / chalky / alkaline / clay / heavy / moist / well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do not Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
Acer griseum and wildlife
Acer griseum has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Acer griseum poisonous?
Acer griseum has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
Plants that go well with Acer griseum
