World Plants Logo

search the world

Woody > Acer > Acer griseum > Acer griseum

Acer griseum


Paperbark Maple




Origin:  China (Gansu, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Shaanxi and Sichuan). Introduced by E. H. Wilson, a Kew trained horticulturist, from one of his Chinese plant collecting expeditions (1899-1911).
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

This is an exceptional tree that has gained popularity in recent years. It thrives in tough, dry, lean soil and is usually pest free. The bark, autumn colour and ease of culture make this a class tree for both the large and small garden alike. Either multi-stem or single stem forms are available and each suits a different purpose in the landscape.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

"

Family
Sapindaceae (Aceraceae)
Genus
Acer
Species
griseum
Category
Woody
Type
Tree (deciduous)
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
Canadian Hardiness Zone
2a - 8a
RHS Hardiness Zone
H4 - H7
Temperature (°C)
(-32) - (-7)
Temperature (°F)
(-25) - 20
Height
6 - 9 m
Spread
5 - 8 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
April
General Description
A small tree with distinct bark and deeply dissected leaves. This species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as globally threatened.
Cultivation
Easy to grow in lean soils and once established requires little water, the trees in the Cuddy Garden in Strathroy have undergone a 3 month summer drought with little affect. Will also thrive in good garden soil; pest free.
Shape
Small tree with a somewhat rounded crown.
Growth
Medium
ID Characteristic
Exfoliating cinnamon coloured bark.
Habitat
Mountains and dry forest.
Bark/Stem Description
Outstanding, cinnamon colour with a slight sheen and exfoliating in thin sheets.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
Sharply pointed and small to the point of being insignificant.
Leaf Description
Deeply dissected three lobed, 5 cm across and 8 cm in length. Very good autumn colour, usually red to orange but sometimes yellow. The leaves are often hairy on the underside and the petiole is dark pink.
Flower Description
Small, yellow-green and ornamentally insignificant.
Fruit Description
A slightly tomentose samara that often does not contain an embryo; they are held in small groups on the tree and persist often into the winter months.
Colour Description
Autumn leaf colour can be yellow to orange/red and quite attractive.
Texture Description
Finely textured leaf form, while the bark is medium to rough texture.
Notable Specimens
The A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England.
Propagation
Occasionally from seed, but few are viable, stratify at 4°C for three months. Otherwise Michael Dirr reports some success with cuttings from seedlings.
goToTop
top