Featured Plant

Acer griseum – Paperbark Maple

Acer griseum is a highly ornamental, slow growing and medium sized tree that typically does not exceed 30 feet in height. The form is oval to oval-round. The paperbark maple is most commonly used as a specimen tree that can be grown as a single or multistem. The leaves are opposite yet trifoliate and deciduous. This maple grows best in full sun to partial shade. Central China is the native range and it performs well in USDA hardiness zones of 4 to 8. The most notable aesthetic feature of the tree is its exfoliating cinnamon brown bark. An interesting fact listed about this species by HortScience is that optimal seed propagation involves sowing the seeds and waiting two years for germination. The US Forest Service begins its description of the paperbark maple with the opening phrase “perhaps the most beautiful maple.” Michael Dirr’s Manual of Woody Landscape Plants text book which is used as a teaching source for many ornamental plant classes across the country states that “Acer griseum has a dignity unmatched by other trees.”

We currently have 9 Acer griseum on our campus. Can you find them all? Hint: One is located outside of Stamp Union.