,
Common Name: paperbark maple
Type: Tree
Family: Sapindaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Native Range: Central China
Garden Location: Ameren Ground Cover Border
Height: 20 to 30 feet
Spread: 15 to 25 feet
Bloom Time: April
Bloom Color: Green
Bloom Description: Green
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Flowers not Showy
Leaves: Good Fall Color
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerates: Clay Soil
Uses: Shade Tree
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade.
Noteworthy Characteristics
This small, deciduous, oval to oval-rounded paperbark maple tree is noted for its peeling, cinnamon to reddish brown bark. Trifoliate leaves are dark green, but turn red in the fall. Seed is a two winged samara.
Plant of Merit
The paperbark maple is a wonderful small tree for tight spaces. It matures at about 20 to 30 feet and produces an exceptionally attractive, cinnamon to reddish-brown exfoliating bark that provides good winter interest. It has no serious pest problems and develops a reddish fall color matched by few others. Grow in full sun to part shade and medium wet soils.
Problems
No serious disease or pest problems. Tree is a slow grower (6 inches - 12 inches per year). Prefers moist, well-drained soil, but does well in clay soils.
Garden Uses
Excellent small tree for small properties. Appropriate as an understory tree in a woodland garden or as a specimen in many locations around the home.