Plant Profile: Paperbark Maple

Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum) is an excellent small ornamental tree whose peeling bark provides winter interest. Its availability is limited due to difficulties with propagation. However, it is becoming more available in the trade.

Paperbark maple grows slowly to about 20’ x 15’ and starts as an upright oval shape becoming rounded with age. It is marginally hardy in zone 5.

During summer paperbark maple has fine textured trifoliate foliage that is dark green. While the flowers and fruit are not showy, the tree does occasionally exhibit good fall color. The fall color, however, is not as good as sugar maple or red maple.

Download this.pdf file for more information. You can also go to http://plantfacts.osu.edu/Plant/

Authors: Dave Gardner