Discover the Beauty and Versatility of Acer Griseum: The Paperbark Maple

Acer griseum, also known as the Paperbark Maple, is a stunning and versatile tree prized for its unique beauty and adaptability. This deciduous tree is native to central China and is known for its distinctive copper-colored bark that peels away in papery layers, revealing a smooth and shiny trunk underneath.

Growth Habit

  • Shape: Acer griseum has a broadly spreading habit with a slightly weeping form.

  • Height: It typically reaches a height of 15-20 feet (4.5-6m) and a width of 15-20 feet (4.5-6m).

  • Width: It typically reaches a width of 15-20 feet (4.5-6m)

Foliage

  • Deciduous or Evergreen: Deciduous

  • Arrangement: Opposite

  • Type: Simple, lobed, and serrated

  • Color: Bright green in the spring, golden yellow in the fall

  • Size: 3-5 inches (7-13cm)

Flowers, Seeds, Fruits, and Cones

  • Flowers: Insignificant, small, and red, appear in April and May

  • Seeds: Samara, ripen in September and October

  • Fruits: Insignificant

  • Cones: Insignificant

Native Range

  • Central China

Hardiness Zones

  • Zones 4-8

Landscape Use

  • Acer griseum is a small to medium-sized tree that is perfect for a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or as a small lawn tree.

  • Its unique bark and beautiful fall color stand out in any landscape.

  • The tree is also well suited for use in Asian-themed gardens or as a focal point in a Zen garden.

Disease Resistance

  • Acer griseum is relatively disease-resistant and is not known to be affected by any significant diseases or pests.

Cultivars

  • 'Gingerbread': A cultivar with russet-colored bark

  • 'Ruby': A cultivar with red-purple leaves

  • 'Sienna Glen': A cultivar with red-orange bark

Individuals Responsible for Introducing Cultivars and Varieties to the Trade

  • George Forrest, a Scottish botanist, discovered Acer griseum in 1904 in central China and introduced it to Europe.

  • E.H. Wilson, an American botanist, introduced it to the United States in the early 1900s.

Similar Plants

  • Acer palmatum, also known as the Japanese Maple, is a small deciduous tree similar in size and habit to Acer griseum.

  • Acer triflorum, also known as the Three-Flowered Maple, is another small deciduous tree that is native to Japan and is similar in size and habit to Acer griseum.

In conclusion, Acer griseum is a beautiful and versatile tree that is perfect for use in any landscape. Its unique bark and beautiful fall color stand out in any garden. It is relatively disease-resistant and is not known to be affected by any major diseases or pests. If you're interested in adding a Paperbark Maple to your landscape, check out the cultivars 'Gingerbread,' 'Ruby,' and 'Sienna Glen' for unique variations on this stunning tree.

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Bigleaf Maple: Acer macrophyllum, A PNW Native

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