Paperbark Maple
Acer griseum
An exquisite small tree renowned for its stunning cinnamon-colored bark that peels in papery sheets, providing year-round interest even in winter. The trifoliate leaves turn brilliant orange-red in fall, making this one of the most elegant and sought-after specimen trees for small gardens.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
4–8
USDA hardiness
Height
20-30 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Paperbark Maple in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ornamental-tree →Zone Map
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Paperbark Maple · Zones 4–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 20 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 15 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12-24 feet, 24-60 feet. Growth rate: Slow. Maintenance: Low. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
A schizocarp of two samaras, 1 1/2" long, wings divergent and with unusually large seeds.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Samara. Length: 1-3 inches.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring
Advantages
- +Attracts: Height: 20 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in., Width: 15 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
- +Wildlife value: Members of the genus Acer support Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis) larvae which have one brood per season and appear from April-October in the south. Adult Imperial Moths do not feed.
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hosta
Thrives in partial shade created by maple canopy, complementary foliage textures
Astilbe
Enjoys filtered light under maple, adds colorful plumes that contrast with maple's delicate leaves
Coral Bells
Tolerates shade, provides ground-level color and texture without competing for resources
Japanese Painted Fern
Complements maple's Asian heritage, thrives in dappled shade with similar soil preferences
Azalea
Both prefer slightly acidic soil and partial shade, spring blooms complement maple's emerging foliage
Wild Ginger
Excellent groundcover for shade, doesn't compete with shallow maple roots
Caladium
Adds bright seasonal color in shade, dies back allowing maple roots winter dominance
Rhododendron
Similar soil pH requirements and shade tolerance, creates layered woodland garden effect
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to maples and inhibits their growth
Norway Maple
Aggressive root system competes heavily for nutrients and water
Kentucky Bluegrass
Dense root mat competes with maple's shallow roots, requires different watering schedule
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to most diseases
Common Pests
Scale insects, aphids (occasional)
Diseases
Verticillium wilt (rare), leaf spot