Vine Maple (Acer circinatum)

Vine maple is a beautiful ornamental tree for both formal gardens and woodland plantings. Its uniquely elegant form provides structural interest; varying in habit from a small upright tree to a tall, broadly spreading shrub, it typically has multiple, spreading trunks and sprawling branches. Clusters of small, white and wine-red flowers emerge in spring at the same time as the leaves, feeding native bees and other pollinators. In fall, the foliage turns brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red. Vine maple prefers partial shade and moist soil, but can handle a variety of conditions. In sunnier areas, it tends to have a more upright habit and more colourful fall foliage, and in shadier areas, it tends to have a more sprawling habit and more subdued fall foliage.

Sun Exposure: Prefers partial to full shade, tolerates full sun
Soil & Moisture: Moist to seasonally moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
Mature Size: 10'-25' tall, 5'-20' wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Edible: No
Wildlife Value: Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Butterfly and moth host plant. Seeds are eaten by birds and mammals. Provides cover and nesting sites. Browsed by deer and elk.
Native Range & Habitat: Moist forests, forest openings, and riparian areas at low to middle elevations. Native to southwest British Columbia, and south to northern California.
Other Names: Oregon vine maple