Smithsonian Gardens

Common name: Paperbark Maple, Chinese Paperbark Maple

Family: Sapindaceae (Soapberry)

Distribution: Central China

Habitat: Mixed temperate forests; 1500-2000 meters

Hardiness: -30 - 20 F

Life form: Deciduous tree

Ornamental feature: Bark and fall color

Fall color: Red, yellow, orange, bronze, green

Foliage characteristics: Opposite, trifoliate leaves 3" to 5" long, with 3-5 large teeth per side. Green on top, greyish white on underside.

Structure: Oval, upright or irregular

Bloom Time: April

Bark characteristics: Cinnamon-brown and exfoliating

Description: Brought from China to England in 1899 by E. H. Wilson, the most striking characteristic of this tree is its bark. The cinnamon colored bark of Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) peels off in large curls which remain on the tree, and provide good winter interest, but may stain slightly when touched. The Paperbark Maple’s trifoliate leaves are also notable for their fall color. While typically dark green with 3-5 large teeth per a side and slightly greyish below (where the tree gains the griseum half of its name from), this tree’s fall foliage can range from bright oranges and reds to more muted bronze and green tones. It has yellow, pendulous flowers in the spring which turn into winged samsaras with large seeds. Paperbark Maples can grow to 30 feet tall.