Acer Griseum

Adult Acer Griseum

Adult Acer Griseum

Acer Griseum is also known as the Paper Bark Maple, as it's major characteristic is it's cinnamon coloured, peeling bark.

Acer Griseum is of Chinese Origin not Japanese, it is found in the high altitude regions of China in the provinces of Gansu, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Shaanxi, Shanxi and Sichuan. Acer griseum was introduced into Europe in 1901 by Ernest Henry Wilson, an explorer and plant collector.

The Adult Acer Griseum is a tall stand up tree, an adult can reach 9 meters in height with a spread of 6 meters. Ours in the picture and video is between 4 and 5 meters tall with a 3 to 4 meter width and it is only 15 to 20 years old. If planted out it is a very quick grower.

The Paper Bark Maple has a lovely shine of cinnamon and orange / bronze coloured bark which peels in very thin layers which cluster to give it a burnt book effect.

The Award winning Japanese Maple Acer Acer Griseum is part of the Sapindaceae family. more info The Acer Griseum has been recognised and received the prestigious "Award of Garden Merit" by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Acer Griseum Spring Leaf

Acer Griseum Autumn Leaf

The Acer Griseum is not of palmatumn class because of the leaves only have 3 lobes which are deeply cut, unlike any other Acer. They are large, approximately 10 cm by 10 cm.

In the spring the leaves start pale to light green colour with a slightly lighter coloured vein. This slowly changes in the late September / October where the leaves get orange and red coloured tips and edges which finally grows inwards into a bright orange leaf.

The Barks colour remains throughout and can look equally stunning in the winter sun. The peeling bark effect is also prominent within the young trees as shown in the video.

Planting in full sun or partial sun is preferable and if you do not want it to shoot up keep it in its pot and then you can use it as a patio tree.

The Acer Griseum is a great addition to any Japanese garden, patio or courtyard.