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Vine Maple
Acer circinatum
Easy · Beginner friendlyAbout Vine Maple
Vine Maple is a graceful multi-stemmed understory tree native to the Pacific Northwest rainforest from British Columbia to northern California, reaching 15-25 feet. Its nearly round 7-9 lobed leaves resemble those of full moon maple. In the filtered light of Douglas-fir forests, its arching stems weave through the understory, turning blazing orange-red in autumn. A signature species of PNW woodland gardens.
- Shade-tolerant
- Fall-color
- Native
How to care for Vine Maple
Watering
- Springevery 5 days
- Summerevery 4 days
- Fallevery 7 days
- Winterpause watering
Soil · Well-draining
- Top dressingPine bark mulch10%
- Main mixPotting soil + perlite 2:170%
- DrainageLECA / gravel20%
Never skip the drainage layer — standing water is the top cause of root rot.
FERTILIZER
- Springevery 60 days
- Summerevery 60 days
At a Glance
- NativeNorth America
- Height15–25 ft (4.6–7.6 m)
- Spread15–20 ft (4.6–6.1 m)
- Foliage colorGreen, Red, Bronze, Yellow
- Fruit colorRed, Pink
- SoilLoamy, Well-drained, Acidic
- LocationsYard
Toxicity
No toxicity has been reported for this plant. Still, it is wise to keep pets from chewing on any houseplant.
Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.
DISTRIBUTION
- Native
- Introduced
- North America
History
Acer circinatum grows naturally in the understory of moist conifer forests from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon to northern California, rarely ranging far from the Pacific Coast. English botanist Thomas Nuttall described it in 1838 based on his 1834-37 expedition with John Kirk Townsend. The specific epithet circinatum means rounded, referring to the circular-outlined 7-9 lobed leaves.
Its sprawling multi-stemmed habit with often recurving stems earned the common name vine maple. Coastal Indigenous peoples including the Coast Salish, Quinault, and Chinook used the pliable young shoots for basketry, fish traps, snowshoe frames, bows, and drum frames. The species provides some of the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular autumn color, ranging from yellow and orange in shade to brilliant scarlet in sun.
Settlers named it for its ability to form vine-like arching stems in dense forest. A defining species of the PNW temperate rainforest understory. Cultivars 'Pacific Fire' with red stems and 'Little Gem' (dwarf) are grown ornamentally.
Symbolism & meaning
What It Symbolizes
Vine Maple expresses flexibility, its arching stems weaving through the shadowed understory rather than fighting for the canopy. As a signature tree of Pacific Northwest rainforests, it carries the heritage of misted woodlands where moss drips from every branch. Its meaning is the wisdom of bending — finding light by following the contour of the forest rather than overpowering it.
- Flexibility — arching stems weave through forest
- Rainforest heritage — signature tree of PNW woodlands
Where the Name Comes From
The name Vine Maple describes its vining or arching growth. 'Circinatum' means coiled or rounded, referring to the nearly circular leaf outline.
Uses & Fun Facts
- Layered horizontal branches and brilliant fall color for woodland edges
- Multi-stemmed Pacific Northwest understory tree as a garden focal point
Related plants
More Acer plants
Field MapleAcer campestre
Paperbark MapleAcer griseum
Downy Japanese MapleAcer japonicum
Box ElderAcer negundo
Plants with similar care
Smooth ShadbushAmelanchier laevis
American HornbeamCarpinus caroliniana
American HophornbeamOstrya virginiana
Japanese YewTaxus cuspidata
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Vine Maple?
Water about every 5 days during the growing season, and always let excess water drain away.
How much light does Vine Maple need?
Part sun: 4–6 hrs direct. Watch the leaves — scorching or stretching means the light needs adjusting.
Is Vine Maple toxic to cats or dogs?
No toxicity has been reported for this plant. Still, it is wise to keep pets from chewing on any houseplant. Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.
Is Vine Maple easy to grow?
Yes — it is considered an easy, beginner-friendly plant.
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