Overview
Acer griseum is a bushy, columnar upright, spreading branched tree in the genus Acer, part of the Sapindaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Acer griseum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental and shade tree. It is native to China.
About
Acer griseum, the paperbark maple or blood-bark maple, is a species of flowering plant in the family Sapindaceae, native to central China. Acer griseum is found in the Chinese provinces of Gansu, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Shaanxi, Shanxi and Sichuan, at altitudes of 1,500–2,000 m (4,921–6,562 ft).
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Acer griseum
About the genus
Acer is a genus of trees and shrubs commonly known as maples. The genus is placed in the soapberry family Sapindaceae. There are approximately 132 species, most of which are native to East Asia, with a number also appearing in Europe, northern Africa, and North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Maple", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Maple
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Acer
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- loamy, sandy, clay
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist,well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered, exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Acer griseum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- tree
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- ornamental, shade tree
- Native to
- China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Acer griseum
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; benefits from shelter from strong winds.
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
- Propagation
- Seed, grafting
- Pest resistance
- Acer gall mite, Aphids, Caterpillars, Horse chestnut scale
- Disease resistance
- Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Acer griseum?
Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; benefits from shelter from strong winds.
Where is the best place to plant Acer griseum?
Acer griseum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.
What soil does Acer griseum need?
Acer griseum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loamy, sandy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Acer griseum?
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
Is Acer griseum hardy in the UK?
Acer griseum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Acer griseum?
Seed, grafting.
More in the Acer genus
- Acer grosseri
- Acer palmatum 'Englishtown' (Dw)Japanese Maple

- Acer palmatum 'Hippy-fin-mo' (Dw)Japanese Maple

- Acer palmatum 'Korin' (A)Japanese Maple

- Acer shirasawanum 'Red Dawn'Shirasawa maple
