Paperbark Maple
Best ornamental tree for gardeners seeking year-round visual interest.
Discover the Paperbark Maple, an ornamental deciduous tree celebrated for its unique cinnamon-colored bark that peels in delicate, papery layers. This slow-growing specimen typically reaches 20 to 30 feet, forming an attractive rounded shape. Its trifoliate leaves emerge soft green, deepen to dark green, and transform into a vibrant display of red, orange, and scarlet in the fall. Thriving in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, the Paperbark Maple is a stunning focal point, offering year-round visual interest with its striking bark and brilliant autumn color.
$299.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
61
/ 2693
#61 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
+584%
Above average
Height
2030
/ to feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking striking winter focal points
- Homeowners wanting vibrant seasonal autumn color
- Urban residents with limited garden space
Who should skip it
- Gardeners managing heavy clay or poorly drained soil
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for affordable landscaping
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate mature results
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Cinnamon-colored peeling bark provides unmatched year-round architectural interest.
Seasonal Versatility
Brilliant autumn foliage creates a dramatic transition for any landscape.
Growth Manageability
Slow growth rate ensures the tree remains perfectly scaled for residential gardens.
Site Adaptability
Thrives in varied light conditions but demands specific soil drainage requirements.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal pruning once established to maintain its elegant rounded crown.
Landscape Utility
Ideal as a specimen focal point for small to medium-sized garden beds.
Key Specs
Height
20 to 30 feet
Spread
15 to 20 feet
Trunk Diameter
2-2.5 inches (multi-stem)
Sun Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Features
- Striking cinnamon-colored, peeling bark
- Vibrant red, orange, and scarlet fall foliage
- Elegant rounded crown shape
- Slow growth rate
- Suitable for full sun to partial shade
- Requires well-drained soil
- Ornamental deciduous tree
- Prized focal point for gardens
What customers say
Customers consistently highlight the exceptional quality and aesthetic appeal of the Paperbark Maple. Reviewers frequently note that the trees arrive robust and healthy, reflecting superior nursery care and careful packaging. The unique, cinnamon colored exfoliating bark is the primary draw, delivering year round visual interest that justifies the investment. This distinctive design element and the plant's overall vigor make it a highly valued addition to the landscape.
Know before you buy
This is a slow-growing tree, which makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or landscapes where you don't want a plant to quickly outgrow its space. You can expect a gradual, steady increase in size over many years.
The Paperbark Maple needs well-drained soil to thrive. It does not tolerate 'wet feet' or standing water, so ensure your planting site has good drainage to prevent root issues.
Yes, this tree is quite versatile and performs well in both full sun and partial shade. While it will grow in partial shade, keep in mind that full sun often encourages the most vibrant fall foliage colors.
At maturity, the Paperbark Maple typically reaches a height of 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 15 to 20 feet. Plan for a footprint of at least 20 feet in diameter to give the tree enough room to develop its natural, rounded crown.
The peeling, cinnamon-colored bark is a signature ornamental feature of this species, not a sign of illness. As the tree matures, the outer layers naturally exfoliate to reveal the rich, colorful bark underneath.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$299