Paperbark Maple

A slow-growing deciduous tree from central China, 20 to 30 feet tall, famous for its bark. The outer bark is copper-red to cinnamon-brown, exfoliating in large, papery curls that remain attached, creating year-round ornamental texture. The bark becomes more purple-brown with age. Leaves are opposite and trifoliate (compound with three leaflets), 7 to 13 cm long, the middle leaflet short-stalked and coarsely toothed, the laterals nearly stalkless. Blue-green above, pale to whitish below. Flowers are greenish-yellow, small, in 2.5 cm clusters in April. Samaras diverge at 60 to 90 degrees and persist into winter; approximately 95% of seeds are not viable, making propagation notoriously difficult. Fall color ranges from red-brown to striking red.

Hardy to Zone 4a. Full sun to part shade. Adaptable to varied soils including clay; prefers moist, well-drained conditions. Low maintenance. The slow growth rate means it will not outgrow a modest yard, making it one of the few maples appropriate for a fifteen-foot planting strip or patio-adjacent position. No named cultivars in the trade. Nineteen diseases and fifteen pests documented at genus level; established specimens in good sites rarely show serious problems. Nursery availability is inconsistent due to propagation difficulty.

Exfoliating cinnamon bark is particularly visible and appealing during dormant season in Puget Sound landscapes.

— Chris Welch, ISA Certified Arborist