Plant profile: Acer griseum
Acer griseum
Paperbark maple
Family: Sapindaceae
Acer griseum is a slow growing, deciduous tree with spreading branches. Although ultimately reaching a height of up to 10m, it may take up to 50 years to achieve this, and so is suitable for smaller gardens. Grown for its year-round interest, Acer griseum has attractive, delicately textured three-lobed leaves, dark green above and blue-green below; and chestnut-brown bark, which peels away to look like paper on older specimens (from around six years old). The leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange in autumn, before falling and revealing the decorative bark throughout the winter. Best planted as a specimen where its beauty can be admired throughout the year.
Acer griseum is native to high altitude (1,500m to 2000m) regions of central China.
Maintenance and pruning
Once established, Acer griseum requires very little maintenance. Tolerant of drought and of heavy clay soils. Routine pruning is not required, except to remove damaged or diseased growth. Should not be pruned from February to October as acers “bleed” sap.
Propagation
Propagating Acer griseum is a significant challenge for the home gardener. Seeds need both scarification and double stratification, and even then, have a low germination rate (<1%). Cuttings will only root in professional environments, and grafting success is limited.
Potential problems
Few problems once established. Common pests are Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale, but none pose a threat to the health of the tree, particularly for larger specimens. May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt and honey fungus.
Images
Acer griseum peeling bark
Acer griseum leaves in spring/summer
Acer griseum leaves in autumn
Important note
Neither the author nor the owner of this website accept any responsibility or liability for any decisions taken on the basis of the information presented above, in particular in respect of toxicity of any or all parts of this plant. The reader is strongly advised not to consume, nor to allow animals to consume, any part of this plant without first having independently verified that it is safe to do so.
Sources
This plant profile draws heavily on three main sources: the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) website, the BBC Gardener’s World website, and the Gardenia.net website. The author claims no ownership or credit for the information or images presented above, which is presented purely for educational/informational purposes. Should the copyright holder wish to object, please email duncan@asphodel.co, and the offending material will be taken down immediately.
Links to the relevant source material are provided below:
RHS
Gardener’s World
Gardenia.net
The Spruce
Image attribution
Cover image: Quite Adept image licence
Peeling bark: Krzysztof Golik image licence
Leaf in green: Salicyna image licence
Autumn leaf: Jean-Pol Grandmont image licence