Acer griseum Paperbark Maple
Best ornamental choice for gardeners seeking year-round landscape texture and color.
The Paperbark Maple, Acer griseum, is a stunning deciduous tree celebrated for its unique aesthetic appeal. Its most notable feature is the distinctive, chestnut-brown bark that naturally exfoliates, providing visual interest throughout the year. The foliage transitions from green to brilliant shades of red and orange in the autumn. This adaptable tree thrives in settings ranging from partial shade to full sun and is well-suited for USDA Zones 4 through 8, reaching mature dimensions of 20 to 30 feet tall with a spread of 15 to 25 feet, making it an excellent choice for diverse landscape designs.
$189.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
7
/ 1209
#7 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
+76%
Above average
Container Size
15
/ gallon
Who it's for
- Landscapers prioritizing vibrant, long-lasting autumn foliage
- Gardeners seeking striking winter landscape focal points
- Homeowners with limited space in urban or suburban yards
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate height and mature features
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for inexpensive, fast-growing tree options
- Gardeners with poor drainage or highly compacted soil conditions
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Exfoliating bark provides unmatched year-round texture and architectural interest.
Seasonal Versatility
Brilliant autumn foliage creates a dramatic transition for any landscape.
Site Adaptability
Thrives across varied light conditions from partial shade to full sun.
Hardiness Range
Reliable performance across a broad spectrum of USDA climate zones.
Growth Habit
Multi-stem form offers a natural, elegant silhouette for residential gardens.
Establishment Potential
Fifteen-gallon container size ensures a robust root system for successful planting.
Key Specs
Container Size
15 gallon
Form
Multi stem
Mature Height
20-30 ft.
Mature Spread
15-25 ft.
USDA Hardiness Zones
4-8
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Tree Species
Maple
Light Requirement
Partial Sun to Full Sun
Features
- Distinctive exfoliating bark for year-round interest
- Vibrant red and orange fall foliage color
- Adaptable to partial shade or full sun
- Deciduous tree type
- Suitable for USDA Zones 4-8
What customers say
Buyers consistently praise the exceptional quality and health of the Acer griseum upon arrival. The tree's distinctive cinnamon colored peeling bark is frequently highlighted, confirming its superior aesthetic appeal and unique landscape value. Customers express high confidence in the plant's vigor and successful establishment. Although this is a premium investment, the robust condition and careful packaging ensure the specimen arrives ready to thrive, strongly validating the purchase price. The overall presentation confirms excellent value.
Know before you buy
The Paperbark Maple is prized for its chestnut-brown bark that naturally peels away in thin, papery curls. This exfoliating process reveals a lighter, smoother layer underneath, providing significant visual texture and interest throughout the winter months.
At maturity, this tree typically reaches 20 to 30 feet in height with a spread of 15 to 25 feet. You should ensure you have enough clearance from structures and power lines to accommodate this eventual width.
The Acer griseum is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8. It is a resilient choice for a wide range of climates, though you should verify your local zone to ensure it can withstand your region's specific temperature extremes.
This tree is quite adaptable and performs well in conditions ranging from partial shade to full sun. While it will grow in both, providing at least some direct sunlight will help encourage the most vibrant red and orange fall foliage.
A multi-stem form means the tree has several trunks emerging from the base rather than a single, central leader. This growth habit often creates a more shrub-like, naturalistic silhouette that highlights the exfoliating bark from multiple angles.
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$189