Acer griseum - The Paperbark Maple That Steals the Show Year-Round

Paperbark Maple

Acer griseum, commonly known as the paperbark maple or bark maple, is a small deciduous tree prized for its cinnamon‑coloured, peeling bark and vivid autumn colour. This guide explores why it’s a must-have feature tree for gardeners seeking year‑round charm, easy cultivation, and a touch of elegance in compact landscapes.

Acer griseum, commonly known as the paperbark maple, is a medium-sized deciduous tree that’s native to central China. It was introduced to the UK in 1901 by the famous plant hunter E.H. Wilson while working for the Veitch nursery. Since then, it has become one of the most admired ornamental trees in British gardens.

Its common name, paperbark maple, comes from its bark—an absolute marvel. As the tree matures, the bark begins to exfoliate, peeling away in thin, papery layers that curl back to reveal the striking orange-red bark beneath. This feature alone makes it a favourite among garden designers looking to create winter interest.

Paperbark maple trees grow slowly, reaching a height of 10 metres (around 33 feet) over many decades. They’re perfect for small gardens thanks to their tidy, columnar habit and manageable size. With an average lifespan of 100 years or more, these long-living beauties are a gift to future generations, offering structure, shade, and seasonal spectacle.

Paperbark maple is a slow-growing tree, which means you won’t have to worry about it taking over your garden. At maturity, it typically reaches a height of 10 metres with a spread of around 6–8 metres, making it ideal for small gardens where space is limited but impact is essential.

This tree forms a neat, rounded shape with a columnar habit in its early years. The growth rate is measured, making it a good choice if you want something that scales with other garden features, such as shrubs, borders, or seating areas.

Its slow growth also makes it suitable for mixed borders, especially those featuring other ornamental or deciduous trees with attractive foliage. You’ll be rewarded with steady growth and increasing beauty year after year.

The bark of Acer griseum is undoubtedly its most striking feature. As the tree ages, the outer bark begins to exfoliate—this means it peels away in thin, papery sheets to reveal cinnamon-coloured bark underneath.

This peeling bark adds beautiful texture and colour to the tree, especially during winter when most other trees are bare and dull. The orange-red tones of the new bark stand out wonderfully in low winter light, adding warmth and interest.

Unlike some trees that need years to develop bark character, even relatively young paper bark maple trees will start to show signs of exfoliation. The effect becomes more pronounced with age, giving mature trees a truly impressive appearance.

The foliage of the paperbark maple is equally charming. The leaves are trifoliate—each one made up of three leaflets—and are a bold green in colour during spring and summer.

As the seasons change, the foliage takes on vivid autumn colours, turning brilliant shades of red and orange before falling. This dramatic display of autumn foliage makes it a stunning seasonal feature and a lovely way to mark the transition into colder months.

Its deeply cut leaves provide contrast to other garden trees, and the leaflets flutter attractively in the breeze. As the leaves fall, they expose even more of the lovely bark, continuing the show right through to early spring.

Paperbark maple thrives best in moist, well-drained soil, in full sun to partial shade. It does well in most garden soils, as long as they’re not waterlogged or overly dry. A spot that gets sun in the morning and dappled shade in the afternoon is ideal.

This deciduous tree prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil but is quite adaptable. If your soil is alkaline, just enrich it with plenty of compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting.

Planting it in a small garden or near a seating area will let you enjoy its bark up close. It also looks fantastic in woodland gardens, along pathways, or even in a mixed shrub border. Its compact, upright growth makes it a versatile choice for many settings.

The best time to plant a paper bark maple tree is from November to January, while the plant is dormant. Select a location with sufficient space for the plant to reach its full height and spread.

Be sure to keep the tree well-watered during its first few years, especially in dry spells. Once established, it’s fairly drought-tolerant, although regular watering will encourage stronger growth.

One of the joys of growing Acer griseum is that it needs very little pruning. It naturally forms a neat, tidy shape that requires minimal intervention. However, you can prune to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.

The best time to prune is during late winter, just before the sap starts to rise. Avoid pruning in spring and early summer when the tree is actively growing, as this can lead to bleeding (where sap oozes from cuts).

Always use clean, sharp tools and make cuts just above a bud or side branch. Any pruning should be minimal—this is a tree that’s best left to grow naturally.

You can grow Acer griseum from seed, but it’s a slow and sometimes unpredictable process. The seeds, which have a wing attached, need a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. This means they need to be kept cold and moist for several weeks—mimicking winter conditions—to encourage germination.

Many gardeners prefer to purchase young trees from a reputable nursery, where germination and early growth have already been ensured. However, if you enjoy a challenge and have some patience, growing from seed can be very rewarding.

Just be aware that not all seedlings will inherit the parent tree’s best traits, especially when it comes to bark exfoliation or autumn colour. If those features are important to you, buying a grafted tree is a better option.

Paperbark maple makes a stunning focal point, but it also pairs beautifully with other garden trees and shrubs. Consider planting it alongside trees with contrasting bark, like silver birch or Cornus alba with its red stems, to highlight the differences.

For a year-round interest border, add low-growing shrubs with colourful foliage or spring bulbs beneath its canopy. Hellebores, ferns, and hardy geraniums are all excellent choices for underplanting.

It also looks good in combination with other acers—particularly those with finer foliage or different autumn tints. The contrast between their leaf shapes and colours adds depth and beauty to mixed plantings.

Acer griseum is generally pest- and disease-free, which is one of the reasons it’s earned the RHS Award of Garden Merit. That said, like many maples, it can occasionally suffer from aphids or scale insects, especially in dry summers.

You may notice some minor leaf damage or curling, but these issues are typically not serious. A good blast with a hose or a gentle insecticidal soap will usually keep things in check.

Keep an eye on the base of the trunk—don’t let mulch touch the bark, as this can trap moisture and cause rot. And always water at the base to avoid wetting the leaves, especially if fungal conditions are present.

Choosing a paper bark maple tree is an investment in your garden’s long-term beauty. With its slow-growing nature and an average lifespan of 100 years, it’s a tree that will grow along with your garden.

Its year-round interest—from bold green foliage in spring and summer to vibrant autumn shades of red and orange, then the striking bark in winter—means there’s never a dull season with this tree around.

Whether you plant it as a centrepiece or tuck it into a quiet corner, it’s sure to become a treasured part of your outdoor space.

There’s something undeniably special about Acer griseum. In my own garden, it’s a quiet standout—never loud or showy, but always turning heads. The bark, especially in low winter light, seems to glow from within, drawing you in for a closer look. It’s one of those trees that rewards patience—the longer it’s in the ground, the more character it develops. I love pairing it with low-growing hellebores or spring bulbs underneath, where the canopy can frame the display without overshadowing it. It’s remarkably low-maintenance, yet full of quiet drama across the seasons. If you’ve got space for just one ornamental tree with real longevity, this would be my pick.

• Acer griseum, or paperbark maple, is a slow-growing, medium-sized ornamental tree with year-round interest
• Its cinnamon-coloured, papery bark peels to reveal beautiful orange-red tones, especially striking in winter
• The trifoliate leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange in autumn, adding vibrant colour to any garden
• It prefers moist but well-drained soil in sun to partial shade and needs minimal pruning
• Ideal for small gardens, mixed borders, or arboretums and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Native to China and introduced in 1901 by the Veitch nursery, it has become a horticultural favourite across the UK
• Can be propagated from seed, though slowly; buying from a nursery is quicker and more reliable
• Needs regular watering in early years and a mulch to keep moisture in, especially in dry spells
• Very few pests or problems—easy to grow and care for
• A true statement tree that grows with you, offering joy and beauty for generations

Acer griseum thrives in full sun or partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil improved with organic matter, and is hardy to –24°C (–11°F). In 5–10 years, it grows to 4–6 m (13–20 ft), offering spring-to-autumn green foliage, outstanding red-orange autumn colour, and striking coppery peeling bark all year round. It suits a wide variety of soils (acid, neutral, or alkaline), needs little pruning, and is easy to maintain, making it a beautiful and reliable choice for UK gardens.

Want to learn about other ornamental tree varieties? Read about Acer platanoides Crimson King here.

For more information on Ornamental Trees for your garden, please click here.

Q: What is Acer griseum, and why is it called the paperbark maple?

A: Acer griseum, commonly known as the paperbark maple, is a medium-sized deciduous tree prized for its distinctive cinnamon-coloured bark that peels away in thin, papery layers, revealing a striking orange-red underlayer. This exfoliating bark provides year-round ornamental interest, even in winter when the tree is dormant. Native to China and introduced to Western horticulture in 1901, it typically grows to about 10 metres and features trifoliate leaves that turn vibrant shades of red and orange in autumn. Its unique bark texture and bold autumn colour make it a highly sought-after specimen in garden trees.

Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Acer griseum?

A: The paperbark maple thrives in well-drained, moist soil, ideally rich in organic matter such as well-rotted compost. It prefers full sun to partial shade to develop its characteristic vibrant bark and autumn foliage. This slow-growing tree benefits from shelter against strong winds, which can damage its delicate peeling bark. Mulching helps conserve moisture and protect roots, especially during dry periods. It is hardy and suitable for small gardens or larger arboretum settings. Good cultivation practices and feeding in early spring promote healthy growth and enhance its ornamental appeal.

Q: How tall does the paperbark maple grow, and is it suitable for small gardens?

A: Acer griseum generally reaches a mature height of around 10 metres, making it a medium-sized tree. Despite its eventual size, its slow growth rate and relatively compact, columnar form mean it can be accommodated in small to medium gardens with appropriate space planning. Its trifoliate leaves and peeling bark add multi-season interest without overwhelming the garden. Regular pruning is rarely necessary, but it can help maintain the shape and remove any damaged branches. Its slow-growing nature and stunning bark make it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking year-round ornamental value.

Q: How do you care for Acer griseum throughout the seasons?

A: Care for the paperbark maple involves minimal pruning, usually only to remove dead or crossing branches in late winter when the plant is dormant. Feeding with a balanced, slow-release product in early spring supports growth. Mulching with organic material conserves moisture and improves soil quality. Water regularly during dry spells, especially for young plants, but avoid allowing the soil to become waterlogged. The tree’s bark provides winter interest, while its foliage displays bold green in spring and summer, turning bright red and orange in autumn. Good cultivation ensures it remains healthy and vibrant throughout the year.

Q: What makes Acer griseum a popular ornamental tree in the UK?

A: The paperbark maple’s popularity stems from its unique exfoliating bark, which reveals warm orange-red tones beneath the papery outer layers, offering striking winter interest. Alongside this, its trifoliate leaves provide rich green colour in spring and summer, transitioning to vibrant red and orange hues in autumn. Its slow growth and manageable size suit various garden scales. Awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, Acer griseum is valued for its year-round ornamental appeal and its ability to bring distinctive texture and colour throughout the seasons.

Q: Where can Acer griseum be purchased in the UK?

A: Acer griseum is available at many specialist nurseries and garden centres across the UK, where healthy young trees are offered for sale, particularly during the planting seasons of autumn and spring. It is also widely sold by reputable online retailers specialising in ornamental trees. When purchasing, look for well-rooted specimens with intact bark and healthy foliage. Buying from a trusted nursery ensures the plant is true to type and has been cultivated under appropriate conditions, helping to guarantee successful establishment and long-term garden performance.

Q: How does the bark of the paperbark maple contribute to its garden value?

A: The bark of Acer griseum is one of its most distinctive features, prized for its papery, peeling texture and rich cinnamon colour. As the bark exfoliates in thin strips, it reveals a smooth, bright orange-red underlayer, creating a striking visual effect throughout autumn and winter. This characteristic bark provides year-round interest, even when the tree is leafless. Such bold bark texture adds depth and contrast to garden plantings, making the paperbark maple an exceptional choice for ornamental planting schemes that desire multi-seasonal appeal.