Paperbark Maple
acer griseum
Also known as: ["Paperbark Maple","Paper Bark Maple"]
Overview
A deciduous tree known for its distinctive peeling, cinnamon-colored bark and trifoliate leaves that turn brilliant red in autumn.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","seasonal color change","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Acer |
| Botanical Name: | Acer griseum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: protected outdoor location with morning sun and afternoon shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done as needed throughout the year.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate pruning to shape and remove problematic branches; avoid heavy pruning which can stress the
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates more shade in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent leaf scorch. In hot regions, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a south or west-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is best; avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, slightly acidic loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8. Prefers cool temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C). Tolerates cold but benefits from protection in extreme heat.
Protect from late spring frosts; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid placing near heat sources indoors.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilization which can damage roots; water before and after applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or seed propagation in autumn.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; autumn for seeds after fruit ripens.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; well-draining seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seeds can take 1–2 years to germinate and establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use thinning cuts to remove entire branches back to the trunk or main branch; avoid topping or shearing.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or crossing branches, and encourage strong structure. Best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the tree; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Young trees may need repotting annually.
Checklist
Check root bound status; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil mix; ensure proper drainage; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; allow drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the trunk, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water until it drains from the bottom, avoiding wetting the foliage. Early morning watering is ideal to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch (brown edges) in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold or frost.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop in response to freezing temperatures. Young or newly planted trees are more susceptible to cold damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect with burlap screens in exposed locations; avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop during heatwaves. Growth may slow under prolonged high temperatures.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage; use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a light dose of liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (April to August). Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume seeds or bark of Acer griseum. The effects are generally not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of seeds and bark of Acer griseum can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs. The toxic compounds primarily affect the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicAcer griseum contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?
A: Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or stress from transplanting.
Q: How fast does the Paperbark Maple grow?
A: It is a slow to moderate grower, typically gaining about 12-24 inches per year.
Q: Is the bark really paper-like?
A: Yes, the bark peels in thin, cinnamon-colored sheets, giving it a distinctive paper-like appearance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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