This attractive small- to medium-sized ornamental tree is excellent for a small area or for adding structure to a mixed perennial garden. Paper-barked maple is a great plant for four seasons. Winter and spring are highlighted with cinnamon-colored, exfoliating bark that is accentuated by light snow, while summer brings delicate leaves with a bluish cast that can turn bronze in fall. Fall color is inconsistent from year to year.
- Family (English) Soapberry (formerly Maple)
- Family (botanic) Sapindaceae (formerly Aceraceae)
- Planting site Residential and parks
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Non-native
- Size range Small tree (15-25 feet), Medium tree (25-40 feet)
- Mature height 20-30 feet
- Mature width 10-30 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
- Tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Dry sites, Road salt, Wet sites
- Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter, early fall, mid fall, late fall
- Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
- Shape or form Oval, Round, Upright
- Growth rate Slow
- Transplants well Yes
- Wildlife Insect pollinators
- Has cultivars Yes
