Acer griseum (Franch.) Pax

Paperback maple

About plant names...

Paperbark maple is a native of central China. It is not found in the wild in North America, though it is sometimes planted in landscapes.

Identification: Trees are 20-30' (6.1-9.1 m) tall and up to 25' (7.6 m) wide. The peeling, papery bark is a standout characteristic of this species. It varies from cinnamon-colored to dark, almost purplish brown as it ages, leaving a patchwork of color gradations on the trunk and branches. Leaves are opposite, in groups of three, serrated, green on top, pale bluish-green or silvery below, 3-6" long ⨉ 1-2" wide (7.6-15 ⨉ 2.5-5 cm). In the fall, they turn red/orange. Yellow-green, inconspicuous flowers appear in April. Fruits are winged samaras; each wing is about 1" (3 cm) long.

See this comparison table of members of the maple family.

Online References:

Leafsnap.com

The Missouri Botanical Garden

Plants.ces.ncsu.edu

The University of Connecticut Plant Database

WikiBooks.org

Www.treetopics.com

EFloras

5/14/2012 · Acton Arboretum, Acton, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 9 × 6" (22 × 14 cm)

5/14/2012 · Acton Arboretum, Acton, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 12 × 8" (31 × 20 cm)

6/12/2023 · Viles Arboretum, Augusta, Maine

Acer griseum description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 6 Sep 2023.

© FloraFinder.org. All rights reserved.

5/14/2012 · Acton Arboretum, Acton, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 21 × 31" (52 × 78 cm)

6/12/2023 · Viles Arboretum, Augusta, Maine

6/12/2023 · Viles Arboretum, Augusta, Maine

5/14/2012 · Acton Arboretum, Acton, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 7 × 4½" (17 × 11 cm)

5/14/2012 · Acton Arboretum, Acton, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 8 × 5" (19 × 13 cm)

Range: Zones 4-8:

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