Acer griseum (Franch.) Pax
Paperbark maple
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. In their native habitats, they are found at altitudes of 4921–6562′ (1.5–2 km).
Plants: 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: 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.
Flowers: Yellow-green, inconspicuous flowers appear in April.
Fruits: Winged samaras; each wing is about 1″ (3 cm) long.
Habitats: Average, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.
See this comparison table of members of the maple family.
Online References:
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 
5/14/2012 · Acton Arboretum, Acton, Massachusetts 
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) 
| Kingdom | Plantae | Plants, but not fungi, lichens, or algae (from Stearn's Botanical Latin) |
| Subkingdom | Tracheobionta | Vascular plants—plants with a “circulatory system” for delivering water and nutrients |
| Division | Magnoliophyta | Flowering plants, also known as angiosperms |
| Class | Magnoliopsida | Dicotyledons—plants with two initial seed leaves |
| Subclass | Rosidae | Roses, legumes, proteas, dogwoods, hydrangeas, mistletoes, euphorbias, grapes, many more |
| Order | Sapindales | Includes citrus; maples, horse-chestnuts, lychees and rambutans; mangos and cashews; frankincense and myrrh; mahogany and neem |
| Family | Sapindaceae | Soapberry family |
| Genus | Acer | Maples |
| Species | griseum | “Gray” |
Acer griseum description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.
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