Acer circinatum
Northwest native Vine Maple tree, (Acer cercinatum), a small deciduous tree, has some of the best fall colors of all natives. It’s a tough little guy that does well as an understory shade tree beneath tall evergreens. It definitely prefers shade as well as some protection.
A quick grower to 10-15 feet, the Vine Maple typically has multiple trunks and can spread to a 15′ width. It likes to grow in rich organic soils and can even tolerate periodic flooding. It will thrive in drought after well established as long as it has a little shade (does not enjoy intense heat). It blooms with white flowers in spring. This is a lovely addition to any landscape and provides local wildlife with food and nesting places.
Native collected specimens can be leggy and even less sun tolerant so lean towards nursery grown Vine Maple trees and sun acclimated plants for better success.
A good choice for the artistic gardener, Vine Maple can be trained as a tree with single trunk, it’s pliable branches can be bent to shapes of bonsai, trained along a fence, only your imagination sets a limit on ways to use this delightful native. Plant form and leaf structure can vary among the species, a trait most gardeners appreciate. They tolerate all types of pruning but are best when allowed to develop their natural form.
The most notable cultivar is ‘Pacific Fire’ with bright red twigs and a smaller mature form.
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Jim Barborinas
Owner of Urban Forest Nursery, Inc.
ISA Certified Arborist #0135
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #356
15119 McLean Rd.
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
jim@urbanforestnursery.com
Still curious how Vine Maple fits into landscapes or urban planting?
Here are some common questions we hear from people considering this tree:
Vine Maple thrives in partial shade or dappled sunlight and prefers well-drained, organically rich soils. It’s especially well-suited for woodland gardens, shaded yards, and naturalized areas where it can show off its graceful, multi-stemmed form.
It grows at a moderate rate and typically reaches 10 to 15 feet in height, with a similar spread. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller yards or clustered plantings without overwhelming the space.
Vine Maple’s multi-stemmed habit and delicate branching give it a graceful, almost sculptural look. Its leaves are finely textured, and the tree adds natural seasonal beauty with subtle spring blooms, summer greenery, and vibrant fall color.
Yes — the leaves turn shades of orange, gold, and red in the fall, creating a stunning seasonal display that enhances both garden beds and streetscape plantings.
It can work well along streets or parking strips if planted with enough space and proper soil conditions. Its smaller size, multi-stemmed structure, and adaptability to partial shade make it a strong choice for certain urban settings.