Are you familiar with paperbark maple and it’s contributions, particularly in fall and winter!? There are few rivals for the majesty of the peeling, curling, reddish, cinnamon-orange bark of the paperbark maple (Acer griseum). Conspicuous throughout the growing season but dramatically pronounced in the winter months, the ornamental bark of this small tree is significant year-round. Native to mixed forests in central and eastern China at elevations between 5,000 and 6,500 feet, this tree was collected and brought to England by E.H. Wilson in 1899 and was distributed and introduced to Europe in 1901.
This slow-growing, oval-rounded tree reaches 20-30’ in height with a width of 15-25’. The compact habit is relatively open with upright branching. Most of the older specimens I’ve seen in the Midwest are shy of 20’ in height with a similar width. Paperbark maple has proven itself as an excellent smaller landscape specimen and woodland understory focal point (tolerates shade).
The compound, trifoliate (three-lobed) leaves of this maple are dark green with glaucous, silvery-gray undersides (griseum meaning “grey”). Fall color comes late but can be an exceptional orange to red and is surprisingly vivid even in shadier locations. Moist but well-drained soil is vital (how often do we hear that!) although paperbark maple is widely adaptable to pH and various soil conditions (even clay!). This species is susceptible to verticillium wilt but has few insect and disease problems overall.
I’ve successfully grown paperbark maples in southern Wisconsin and lost a few with the harshest of winters to be honest. Hardiness is typically listed as USDA z 4-8 although I’ve observed significant damage with every pronounced and extended polar vortex in our area of Wisconsin (z5). Having said that, I’ve seen amazing specimens in the Chicago area and further south. The Chicago Botanic Garden has some impressive specimens (visit the Japanese garden!). There are also many sizable paperbark maples around the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) campus.
The decorative, exfoliating bark is what really steals the show, particularly during those long winter months. Younger specimens and the outer branches and stems of more mature specimens will feature more pronounced curling and peeling to reveal the warm tones of russet, cinnamon, orange and red. The exfoliating bark clings well as opposed to other exfoliating species that may lose bark consistently. When the sun hits the peeling bark just right, a glowing, translucent effect catches the eye. The bark becomes fissured with age but still has plenty of color. Do you have a spot for one!?
