Paperbark maple is endemic to mixed forests in central China at elevations of about 5000-6500 feet. According to Washington Park Arboretum records, it was planted in November 1964 as a young tree, about six feet tall, and most likely had been grown in the Arboretum nursery from plant material acquired in the mid-1950s. We are fortunate that the Seattle Japanese Garden contains a large, attractive specimen, located not far from the entrance gate. One of the most striking is Acer griseum, paperbark maple, with bark that peels to reveal a lovely patchwork of texture and color. triflorum.In these dark, wet days of winter, I’m always on the lookout for trees with interesting bark-and the beauty that they bring to this muted season. Paperbark maple ( Acer griseum) is another small maple with trifoliate leaves and ornamental bark but its fall color is not as impressive as A. But because of difficulty in propagation (seed viability is low and seeds require a double dormancy of both warm and cold periods cuttings are not easy to root), it is not readily available and therefore rarely seen in cultivation. It was awarded the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal in 1996 and was a 2004 Great Plant Pick and a 2008 Cary Award winner. The species was first described in 1901 and was first introduced to cultivation in 1923. This maple is best transplanted in spring or early fall avoid planting in the summer. It may have slight die back of new growth during unusually cold winters. Verticillium wilt like many other maples) and makes a good street tree as its roots are not very aggressive and will not damage sidewalks or patios. It has few insect or disease problems (although can be affected byĪcer triflorum is particularly ornamental in fall. It is somewhat drought tolerant once established. It is also quite adaptable and tolerates other types of soil as well but does not like compacted or wet soils. Three flowered maple prefers acidic, well-drained soil in partial shade but in the northern part of its range it can easily be placed in full sun. This attribute has given the plant another common name of roughbark maple. The bark comes off vertically in heavy strips or woody flakes (not in papery pieces), leaving behind a dark, knobby trunk that is especially decorative in winter. The bark becomes furrowed and peeling even at an early age. The exfoliating bark of three flowered maple.Īnother ornamental feature of this species is the grayish to warm, brown exfoliating bark. The greenish-yellow blooms in early spring are quite inconspicuous and like in other maples are followed by a paired winged fruit (samara). Leaves of Acer triflorum in spring (L), summer (C), and fall (R).Īs its name suggests, the flowers are produced in clusters of three. Three flowered maple is one of the few trees to dependably develop good fall color in shade (although it will be more subdued than in full sun). Fall is when they really shine, creating a dazzling display in brilliant yellow orange to flame-orange, with hints of apricot, scarlet, purple and gold. The leaflets are all about the same size, 2-3″ long, and remain a clean, dark green throughout the summer. The trifoliate leaves (three leaflets) with irregularly serrated margins emerge a nice emerald green in spring. Three flowered maple through the seasons. This relatively rare plant is well adapted to tough conditions and makes a good point of interest in any landscape. It has a fine to medium texture and is densely branched, casting a dense shade. This species can be be grown as a large shrub instead of a tree as it branches low. Its form depends on the conditions it is growing under, remaining rounded and compact in full sun, but more upright and spreading when in shade. It will eventually grow up to 25 feet tall with a 20-25 foot spread. Native to hills of northern China (Manchuria) and Korea, this small deciduous tree has a slow to moderate growth rate, getting about 15 feet tall in ten years. Three flowered maple, Acer triflorum, is an nice specimen tree with multiseason interest for small gardens.
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