1. * Vine Maple – Acer circinatum
(AY-ser ser-sin-AY-tum)
Family: Aceraceae (Maple Family)
Native to: Pacific NW from S. Alaska to N. CA; in pine forests and along shaded streambanks.
woody shrub/vine
mature height: 10-25+ ft. mature width: 20-40 ft.
Winter-deciduous woody vine to small tree or large shrub (form depends on available light; vine-like
with multiple trunks in low-light conditions). Leaves are palmate – typical for maples – and may
become bright red to yellow in fall. Bark is smooth and light gray-green to tan. Unique looking.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring (Mar-May). Flowers small, green-red, inconspicuous. Fruit is a
showy two-seeded winged fruit (samara) that starts green then becomes red-brown in summer/fall.
Fruits very showy. Cultivars: ‘Monroe’ , ‘Sunglow’ – yellow spring leaves; ‘Pacific Fire’ – red bark.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most often used in shady areas of the garden under trees or N. side of
buildings. Gives a real sense of woodlands. Good choice under firs and pines – likes the acidic soil
created by pine needles. Often used on stream banks to hold soil. Can grow in containers – even
bonsai. Nice addition to an Asian-themed garden. Accent plant for showy fruits, fall leaf color.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Maples.
Excellent habitat plant.
Larval food for Western Tiger Swallowtail butterfly and
Polyphemus & other moths. A good nectar source for bees.
Provides cover/nest sites for birds and
seeds for food (grosbeaks, vireos, woodpeckers, nuthatches, finches, squirrels and others).
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Part-shade to full shade; needs at least afternoon shade.
Well-drained soil with slightly acidic pH (5.5 - 6.5)
Near-regular water best (Zone 2-3) in our area (it grows in rainy climates)
Likes a rich soil – fertilize and use organic mulch.
Can amend soil with organic amendments prior to planting.
Prune/tie to shape beginning when very young. Prune only as needed – tends to
sucker when pruned. Never remove more than 20-25% of foliage.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: fresh in fall; or 3 mo. cold-moist treat
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 6, 8, 13
* Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co.
by cuttings: layering, soft-wood
11/29/10
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