August Tree of the Month-Paperbark Maple
A favorite among tree-geeks is the paperbark maple, Acer griseum. It’s love at first sight with its diminutive stature and irresistible cinnamon colored exfoliating bark. Even the samara seeds are adorable.
The unique leaves are trifoliolate (three-lobed), lending a coarser texture to the garden, along with the bark. This is a 4-season tree, which, although it doesn’t have showy spring flowers, has deep green leaves with silvery-gray undersides that eventually turn red-orange. The flaky bark is showy all year, especially in winter.
Height can be 20-30′, although 20′ or under seems more the norm in the St. Louis area. The paper barks typically have an upright oval or rounded shape. Once mature, selective pruning can really showcase the bark to its fullest potential.
Full sun is preferred, but partial shade is tolerated, especially if shaded from harsh late-afternoon sun in the Midwest. However, make sure you place it where it can be appreciated for its subtle beauty. Moist, well-drained soils are also preferred, but paper barks don’t seem to be picky about soil PH, clay, or sandy soils.
What I love about this plant;
-Unique, cinnamon-colored peeling bark.
-Few pests or diseases.
-Low maintenance.
-Smaller size for smaller landscapes or as a specimen tree.
-Popular for bonsai.
-Nice fall color.
What’s not so great;
-Can be expensive due to difficulty in propagation.
-All maples produce samara seeds (affectionately called “helicopters”), which can be messy near a patio, deck, or drive.
-Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com
Words and photos by Jo Batzer
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2025, All rights reserved.
