TREE OF THE MONTH
By Len Phillips,
ASLA Emeritus
Trade Name: Paperbark Maple
Botanical Name: Acer griseum
Parentage: Species introduced into the
U.S.
Family: Aceraceae
Introduction: 1901
Hardiness Zone*: 4 – 8
Height: 20 to 30 feet
Spread: 10 to 15 feet
Growth Rate: Slow, 5 feet in 10 years
Form: Upright oval, variable
Bloom Period: May
Flower: Greenish pendulous
Fruit: Samara, greenish ripening to light
brown
Spring Color: Mid green
Summer Foliage: Glossy, 3 leaflets, bluish
green in summer
Autumn Foliage: Bronze, reddish
Winter Interest: Bark provides winter
interest especially with light snow on the
bark
Bark: Exfoliating after second year,
cinnamon or reddish brown in youth, rich
brown with age, trees vary in amount of
exfoliation.
Habitat: Grows well throughout most of
the U.S.
Culture: Prefers moist, well drained soil,
grows in most soils, full sun
Pest Problems: None serious
Storm Resistance: Good
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Planting: Transplant B&B or by container
Propagating: Seeds
Design Uses: Specimen for lawn, park, and
residential
Companions: Use with evergreen groundcovers
Other Comments: Excellent tree for special
locations, expensive due to slow growth
Available From: Most retail nurseries.
Exfoliation will vary so personal selection
is necessary
*For information about the USDA Hardiness
Zone Map, visit:
www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/index.html
Photos provided by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.
Photos provided by Len Phillips
26 Arbor Age / March 2013
These are the personal observations of the
author, living in New England – Zone 6. Len
Phillips can be reached via e-mail at
lenphillips@on-line-seminars.com
www.arborage.com
