Fall Featured Plant
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Acer griseum
Paperbark Maple
One of the best trees for residential properties is Acer griseum.
Unlike the leaves of the better-known native maples, the leaves
of Paperbark Maple are compound with three leaflets. This gives
the tree a finer texture than the larger maples. Add to that dark
rich green leaf color with a hint of blue for a wonderful cool look
in the summer.
Paperbark
Maple shows it's fall color
(and it's compound leaves).
But wait, there's more!
Acer griseum has beautiful bark the color of cinnamon that
peels, rolls and flakes. This characteristic is present at a young
age and is exhibited throughout the life of the tree. Exfoliation
ceases on mature branches, but the cinnamon color and smooth bark
characteristics remain. Planting to allow for backlighting of
the bark is very effective; add a layer of snow on peeling bark
for a truly exquisite picture.
Foliage of
Acer griseum.
Central China is the native habitat
of Paperbark Maple, and this lovely, small tree grows well in the
country in zones 5-7.
A young Acer
griseum planted outside
the Library addition.
Paperbark Maple
provides wonderful winter
interest with it's richly colored, peeling bark.
Paperbark Maple colors up in our area
in late October to November in shades of muted red to scarlet. This
tree is later than most to leaf out in the spring as well. Ultimate
height is about 25' with a rounded oval outline. Acer griseum
prefers full sun, but will grow quite well in partial shade. It
is adaptable to a fairly wide range of soils with best performance
in moist, well-drained soil.
The canopy
of Paperbark Maple.
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