Plant profile: Acer griseum

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.