Description

General aspect and origins - Acer griseum is also known as A. nikoense var. griseum, or more often paperback maple. This relatively slow-growing tree is native to Western China and was discovered by Ernest Wilson. This tree is often multi-trunked and has a very interesting exfoliating bark. Also, its ornamental autumn foliage is bright orange-red.
Leaves - Leaves are decidious, opposite, trifoliate. They have a grey-green underside, and interesting bright orange-red colors in fall.
Flowers - Flowers appear in mid-spring with the leaves. They are grouped in clusters of 3-5 yellow-green flowers and are about .4 in (1 cm) wide.

Culture

This tree is very frost-hardy, and can withstand cold temperatures down to about -22°F (-30°C) and sometimes less. It can thus be grown in USDA zones 5 and warmer, and most sheltered areas of USDA zones 4.
Soil - This tree needs a deep and light soil that remains moist. It can be grown in acidic to alcaline soils.

Propagation

Seeds can be sown in spring. The seeds are very hard, and may take several months, even a couple of years, to sprout.