Acer circinatum

Vine Maple

Deciduous Tree

"Outstanding Qualities: A classic multi-stemmed tree for the northwest garden, this durable native produces sprawling branches when growing in the shade of the native conifer forest. Vine maple is very closely related to Japanese maples and has the same versatility in the small garden or woodland, but with a more relaxed feel. Its trunks are green when young and have architectural interest. Fresh, light green leaves turn orange and red with partial to full sun early in the autumn, and hold their color well though the season. Vine maple is one of our best native trees for the urban garden.

Culture Notes: Vine maple will grow well in full sun to deep shade, but the best autumn color is with at least half a day of sun. It is remarkably adaptable to soil types, growing well in sandy to clay soils and well-drained to moist locations. It grows more quickly (12 to 18 inches a year) when young and slows with maturity. In sun the form is more upright, while in shade the branching habit is gracefully open and sprawling." —Courtesy Great Plant Picks

Growing Conditions

Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8

Exposure: Part Sun, Full Shade, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Average

Soil: Adaptable, Clay, Sandy, Well-drained

Description

Size: 120 - 240 tall x 120 - 240 wide
Shape / Form: Irregular, Clumping, Upright
Foliage Texture: Medium
Foliage Quality: Medium

Features: Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Low Maintenance, Native Plant, Attractive Foliage, Fall Color, Flexible Culture

Foliage Color: Green
Fall Color: Mixed / Variable, Red, Red Orange, Reliable Fall Color, Yellow / Gold, Yellow, Gold Leaf Shape: Palm-shaped




Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Banks and Slopes, Hedges and Screens, Massed, Specimen
Special Situations: Courtyard / Urban Garden, Low Water / No Water, Once-a-Year Maintenance, Winter Wet / Summer Dry

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Three Seasons of Interest
Position / Role: canopy
Collections: eGardenGo Favorite, Great Plant Pick

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low


Suitable Substitutes

Acer circinatum 'Pacific Fire' | Pacific Fire Vine Maple

Perfect Partners

Lonicera pileata | box-leaf honeysuckle
Polystichum munitum | Western Sword Fern

Plant Combos