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1.Paperbark Maple — Overview
Acer griseum, widely recognized as the Paperbark Maple, is a distinguished small to medium-sized deciduous tree within the Sapindaceae family, native to the mountainous regions of central China, specifically provinces such as Gansu, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Sichuan. It was introduced to Western horticulture by Ernest Henry Wilson in 1901 and has since become a highly prized ornamental species in temperate climates.
The tree's most iconic feature is its striking exfoliating bark, which peels in thin, papery curls, transitioning through shades of cinnamon-brown, reddish-brown, and purplish-brown to reveal a smoother, lighter-colored bark beneath. This unique bark provides exceptional year-round visual appeal, particularly during winter months when other foliage is absent.
Morphologically, Acer griseum is characterized by its trifoliate leaves, each comprising three distinct leaflets, typically 3-5 cm in length. The adaxial surface of the leaves presents a dark green hue, while the abaxial side is notably glaucous or pubescent. In autumn, these leaves undergo a spectacular transformation, displaying vibrant tones of orange, red, and purple, further enhancing the tree's ornamental value.
Growing slowly, the Paperbark Maple generally reaches a height of 20 to 30 feet and a spread of 15 to 25 feet, adopting an upright oval to rounded habit. Its modest size and adaptability to various well-draining soil types, coupled with its hardiness, make it an ideal choice for smaller gardens, urban landscapes, and as a specimen tree, also serving as a limited habitat and food source for local wildlife. While direct traditional medicinal documentation for Acer griseum is scarce, related species within the Acer genus are known for their traditional uses.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Acer griseum
1.1 Wikipedia — Acer griseum
1.2 Kew POWO (Plants of the World Online)
1.3 PubMed — peer-reviewed research
1.4 NCBI Taxonomy Browser
1.5 GBIF — Global Biodiversity
1.1.Paperbark Maple — Key Features
- ✓ <strong>Exfoliating Bark</strong> — Unique cinnamon to reddish-brown bark peels in papery curls.
- ✓ <strong>Trifoliate Leaves</strong> — Composed of three distinct leaflets, dark green above, glaucous below.
- ✓ <strong>Stunning Fall Color</strong> — Leaves transform into brilliant shades of orange, red, and purple.
- ✓ <strong>Moderate Size</strong> — Typically grows 20-30 feet tall, making it suitable for various garden sizes.
- ✓ <strong>Slow Growth Rate</strong> — Ensures a manageable size and long-term ornamental appeal.
- ✓ <strong>Winter Interest</strong> — Bark provides significant visual appeal during the dormant season.
- ✓ <strong>Adaptable</strong> — Tolerates a range of well-draining soil types and pH levels.
- ✓ <strong>Hardy</strong> — Resilient in temperate climates, tolerating cold conditions.
- ✓ <strong>Ornamental Value</strong> — Highly valued as a specimen tree in landscapes.
- ✓ <strong>Native to China</strong> — Originates from central Chinese provinces.
1.2.Paperbark Maple — Quick Summary
- ✓ Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum) is a small, deciduous tree known for its distinctive exfoliating bark.
- ✓ Native to central China, it's a prized ornamental for temperate gardens.
- ✓ Features trifoliate leaves that turn vibrant orange, red, and purple in autumn.
- ✓ Bark peels in papery curls, offering year-round visual interest.
- ✓ Grows slowly to 20-30 feet, suitable for small spaces and urban landscapes.
- ✓ While primarily ornamental, related Acer species have traditional medicinal uses.
2.Paperbark Maple — Scientific Identity
3.Paperbark Maple — Quick Facts
4.Paperbark Maple — Appearance & Identification
5.Paperbark Maple — Native Habitat
6.Paperbark Maple — Water Requirements
- ✓ Site Selection — Prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and fall color.
- ✓ Soil Requirements — Thrives in moist, well-drained soils; adaptable to sand, loam, or clay, with a wide pH tolerance.
- ✓ Watering — Requires consistent moisture, especially when young; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- ✓ Planting — Best transplanted in spring as balled and burlapped or containerized specimens.
- ✓ Propagation — Can be propagated by seed (requires stratification) or by stem cuttings, with young stems rooting more readily.
- ✓ Pruning — Generally requires minimal pruning; remove dead or crossing branches to maintain structural integrity.
- ✓ Fertilization — Benefits from a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring, especially in nutrient-poor soils.
- ✓ Pest & Disease Management — Generally robust, but monitor for common maple pests and diseases, addressing issues proactively.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 19, 2026
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