Paperbark Maple is widely grown as an ornamental tree in temperate regions. 
It is admired for its decorative exfoliating bark, translucent pieces of 
which often stay attached to the branches until worn away. It also has 
spectacular autumn foliage which can include red, orange and pink tones.

The bark is smooth, shiny orange-red, peeling in thin, papery layers; it 
may become fissured in old trees. The shoots are densely downy at first, 
this wearing off by the second or third year and the bark exfoliating by 
the third or fourth year.This feature comes into its own during the winter 
months as the fan of up-swept  bare branches are illuminated by the low 
setting sun. Planting position is key and the surrounding planting must be 
kept low to ensure that the setting sun strikes the coppery strips of bark 
that peel away from the main trunk to bring a rich, warm glow to the Winter 
Garden.

Through the summer the tree has dark green, three-lobed leaves that turn 
a brilliant orange to crimson red in the autumn. This is one of the last 
maples to develop Autumn colour. Best grown in an open sunny position 
with only partial shade. Grows well in a variety of soil types but 
prefers a moist, well drained soil. This tree will not tolerate drought 
conditions well.