Paper Bark Maple - Acer griseum

From central and western China, this slender tree to 40 ft. is considered a gem of the maple family and indeed one of the most beautiful of all small trees. Its outstanding feature is the texture and color of the bark, which peels but also holds on in curls, revealing smooth, cinnamon red limbs and trunk. The leaves of 3 elliptical leaflets turn orange, scarlet and crimson in autumn. The winged fruits have unusually large seeds. Recipient of the Gold Medal Plant Award by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.