Bark is often underappreciated as an integral aspect of what makes certain trees extraordinary. Acer griseum – commonly called the Paperbark Maple – is a perfect example of this and is one of my favorite trees. It was love at first sight when I beheld one at Gamble Garden and I immediately found and planted one in my own backyard in filtered sun conditions. The Paperbark Maple has luxurious cinnamon-orange exfoliating bark that peels to reveal a satiny smooth reddish brown trunk. In addition to its showy bark, it boasts beautiful fall colors and deep bluish-green new leaves in spring. It is a highly ornamental specimen tree that deserves to be placed near a deck or patio where its many features can be appreciated year round. It is well-suited as an understory tree or at the margins of a woodland area. It requires moist, well-drained soil so is not appropriate for xeriscape or drought-tolerant gardens. In my own experience, this tree – now four years in ground and quite vigorous – takes only moderate irrigation during summer months and gets by without irrigation the balance of the year. If you love interesting trees and can find a place for this one, I highly recommend the Acer griseum for its beauty and ease of care.
French Design & Fine Gardening 