Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple)

Acer griseum peeling bark

Of all the small trees in cultivation, this maple stands supreme with gorgeous, peeling cinnamon coloured bark and fiery red and orange autumn colours. The autumn colour and peeling bark gives Acer griseum year round interest and as it is slow growing, makes it an ideal small specimen tree for gardens with limited space.

Acer griseum in winter

Acer griseum was introduced to the United Kingdom from China in 1901 and is very hardy although it does grow better with shelter from strong winds. Unlike most Japanese maples, the paperbark maple will also grow on an alkaline soil or even on chalk.

One of my favourite trees, the beautiful peeling bark of Acer griseum looks good at any time of year but especially when combined with the autumn colours. Our tree in the garden has reached a height of approx 20 ft tall in 18 years and has survived cold down to -20oC during the winter.