Acer griseum - Paperbark Maple

Family - Aceraceae

Size - To about 20 feet. Spread equal to height. Upright oval to rounded shape. Slow growth rate.

Foliage - Trifoliate foliage. Dark green in summer. Fall color is red to russet red. Fall color can be very nice, but not until the tree is well established.

Flower/Fruit/Seed - Samara, viabal seed is relatively low, every seed I've ever inspected is void. Not particularly an asset to the ornamental quality.

Bark - Beautiful cinnamon to red-brown. Starts to exfoliate on second year wood. A young tree can be very attractive. One of the most decorative barks of any tree. A real asset in winter.

Pests and Diseases - none noticed. Some leaf scorch during establishment especially during extreme hot and dry periods. Once established, it tolerates extremes well.

Landscape Use - Specimen use primarily. Should be used in a location of prominence. As with most trees, avoid areas of high foot traffic. It seems sensitive to this condition. I have seen trees struggle to just survive where this is a problem. Once established it is very problem free. Has held up well to summer heat and drought. Growth has averaged about 1 foot per year. Would do extremely well in afternoon part shade where the roots could be kept cool.

Performance - 8 I feel that zone 7 is probably the southern extreme for this tree. Possibly 7b. Further south it would definitely need additional protection from the summer extremes.