Acer circinatum

Common Names

Vine Maple, Oregon Vine Maple

Summary

Vine Maple (Acer circinatum) is a native Pacific Northwest deciduous shrub or small tree, typically 10–20 ft tall, with nearly circular, palmately lobed leaves (7–9 lobes) and a cordate base; autumn color ranges from red to orange; it bears small white flowers in spring in loose clusters, followed by two-winged samaras; bark is greenish when young, turning bright reddish-brown; it favors moist soils along streams, tolerates shade although some sun enhances fall color, and can form dense thickets via ground-rooting branches.

Propagation can be by seed with stratification or by vegetative methods such as layering, grafting, or chip budding, and the plant is widely grown in Northwest landscapes for its autumn color, adaptability to a range of soils and light conditions, and value in riparian stabilization, shade gardens, and naturalized plantings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

10-20 feet

Spread

180-240 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun, tolerates Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Full Shade

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, pH 5.5–7.5

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil.

Soil pH

5.5-7.5, Slightly acidic soils

Bloom Color

White, Purple

Bloom Time

Spring (March–June)

Foliage Color

Green foliage that turns red, orange, and yellow in autumn

Fall Foliage Color

Red, orange, and yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

12-18 inches per year when young; growth slows with maturity.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Layering, Softwood cuttings, Grafting, Chip budding

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds and butterflies