Great Design Plant: Paperbark Maple for Year-Round Interest

Suited to small gardens yet at home in larger landscapes, paperbark maple (Acer griseum) becomes a favorite feature with its striking cinnamon exfoliating bark and beautiful fall color.

Plant Profile

• Botanical name: Acer griseum
• Common name: Paperbark maple
• USDA zones: 4–8
• Water: Regular until established
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Mature size: 18 ft tall, 15 ft wide
• Benefits: Tolerates clay and sandy soil; no pruning needed
• Seasonal interest: Year-round
• When to plant: Ideally fall or spring (successful in August with daily irrigation)

Distinguishing Traits

• Striking cinnamon-colored exfoliating bark
• Beautiful fall color

How to Use It

Surround with sunset shades—orange, gold, burgundy—to play off bark color. Orange montbretia (Crocosmia) explodes beautifully from the base; even seed heads partner well. Avoid obscuring the tree with evergreens—its bark is a winter highlight. Consider backdrop: warm cedar shingles complement fall foliage and bark perfectly.

Planting Notes

• Dig hole as deep as root ball, twice as wide.
• Amend backfill with 20% well-rotted compost.
• Add bonemeal to planting hole for root growth.
• Backfill carefully, tamp gently.
• Water thoroughly.
• If staking, allow some movement for stronger roots.
• Water well for first two years; then only during prolonged drought.