16. Paperbark Maple

Paperbark Maple

Acer griseum Pax

Native Range: Central Chinaat altitudes of 1,500m to 2,000m

  • It was introduced into horticulture in Britain in 1901 by Ernest Henry Wilson for Veitch Nurseries.
  • Acer griseum grows very well in gardens on the chalky soil of Southern England and can grow up to 45 feet high
  • The striking copper-brown bark peels to reveal the orange newer bark underneath. In autumn the bark compliments the bright red, pink and orange of the leaves.
  • Horticulturalists are trying to widen the gene pool of the cultivated Acer griseum but this can prove problematic as the seeds of the tree has only a 5% germination rate

The tree in front of you was planted in November 1984 and has fantastic autumn colour with the leaves turning a brilliant red.

Bean, W.J., (1989), Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles(8th edn) John Murray London

Rushforth, K. (1999) Trees of Britain and Europe, Collins