Vine Maple (Acer circinatum)
Sold as: Bareroot, 12"
Vine maple occurs most frequently on moist soils along the banks of streams and wet sites. It commonly occurs with Douglas fir, Pacific dogwood, big leaf maple, and western hemlock. This species prefers shady areas but can tolerate the sun. It sometimes grows in clumps or patches.
Vine maple is a native, deciduous shrub or small tree that ranges between ten to twenty feet. The leaves are round to cordate, usually seven to nine centimeters long, pointed, and double toothed. The flowers are white petals in small loose clusters emerging with the leaves. The bark is thin, smooth, and greenish becoming bright reddish brown.
Classification: Deciduous shrub/small tree
Key Characteristics: Understory tree preferring shaded and moist habitats or forest edges. Vibrant fall colors and sprawling branch structure.
Light Requirements: Partial to full shade (can tolerate sun if adequately watered)
Water Requirements: Moist soil conditions
Ease of Growing: Fair to good given conditions. Hardy after establishment
Growth Rate: Slow to medium
Bloom Time: Early spring, small red and white blooms
Spreads: Seed or branching
Type of support: Important food, nesting, and cover habitat for birds and mammals.
Edible: NA
Mature Height: 6-20 feet
Mature Width: 20 feet
Photo Credit: Ashley Smithers