Sheffield's Seed Company Page

Introducing the Acer griseum, also known as the Paper Bark Maple or Paperbark Maple. This small to medium-sized deciduous tree is native to central China and is admired for its distinctive peeling cinnamon bark, which is smooth, shiny orange-red and peels in thin, papery layers. Its fall color is also spectacular, with bright red and orange hues. The Acer griseum has trifoliate leaves and is slow growing, making it a perfect addition to your garden or landscape design. It is widely grown as an ornamental plant in temperate regions and can reach 6-9 meters tall. It is an androdioecious species that produces paired samara, with two winged seeds about one centimeter long with a three centimeter wing. The Paperbark Maple also has translucent pieces of bark that often stay attached to the branches until worn away. It was introduced to cultivation in Europe in 1901 by Ernest Henry Wilson for the Veitch Nurseries and has been a popular ornamental tree ever since. Propagation can be challenging, but fresh/green seeds do not require a period of warm stratification to soften the seed coat. For this reason, it should be sown immediately in the fall or put in cold stratification. Add a touch of distinctive beauty to your landscape with the Acer griseum. For more information, visit plants.usda.gov.