Washington
Park Arboretum
Striped-Bark Maples
The striped or snake bark maples are some of the most interesting members
of the Aceraceae family. None of them are very tall trees, only
averaging 20-30 feet in height, but they all have interesting bark. Acer
pensylvanicum, commonly called moosewood, is the only North American
member of the striped bark maple group; all the others are native to Asia.
Selected striped bark maples:
Acer grosseri var.
hersii was named after Mr. Hers, a Belgian railway engineer who
was a gifted amateur botanist. The green leaves are either 3-lobed or sometimes
almost unlobed while the striking green bark is decorated with white or
cream-colored stripes. In the late fall, this tree puts on a great show
of fall color. 
Acer pensylvanicum, moosewood, grows quickly to about 30 feet and
thrives best in a lightly shaded, woodland setting. The fall color for this
species is a soft yellow. Particularly striking is the pink and white striped
new growth of cultivar 'Erithrocladum.' 
The young stems of Acer
rufinerve are bluish-gray, turning green with white stripes as they
mature. The summer foliage is a pleasant green. Fall color is crimson and
gold. 
Acer tegmentosum
is unique among the striped bark maples because it retains its wonderful
markings even on very old wood. The bright green leaves unfold very early
in the spring with a paper-like texture and then at the end of the growing
season turn a sharp yellow. 
Another
maple that does not have striped bark but is very interesting anyway is
Acer griseum, the paper bark maple. The coppery, peeling bark of
this small tree is spectacular anytime of the year. Fall color is a striking
blend of scarlet and gold. Be sure to visit the Arboretum many times throughout the year to enjoy the changing seasons and the always interesting plants.