Vine maple is a native woody shrub or vine that grows in shaded areas of the Pacific Northwest. It has palmate leaves that turn bright colors in fall and produces showy winged fruits. Vine maple provides habitat for birds and pollinators while requiring partial shade and moist, acidic soil. It is a low-maintenance alternative to non-native maples that adds foliage color and wildlife value to gardens.

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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