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Acer circinatum (Vine Maple)

Oregon Vine Maple, Vine Maple

Acer circinatum, Oregon Vine Maple, Vine Maple, Tree with fall color, Fall color, Red Leaves, Red Autumn Leaves, Attractive bark Tree
Acer circinatum, Oregon Vine Maple, Vine Maple, Tree with fall color, Fall color, Red Leaves, Red Autumn Leaves, Attractive bark Tree

Acer circinatum (Vine Maple) is most commonly grown as a spreading bushy large shrub, but it will occasionally form a small to medium-sized tree. Low-branched, multi-stemmed in habit, it usually develops multi-trunks with bright, reddish-green bark. Upright in sunny locations, it takes a delicate horizontal habit in the shade. Vine Maple is noted for its nearly circular deciduous leaves to 3-5 in. long (7-12 cm) with 7-9 palmate lobes. Beautifully colored in most seasons, its broad foliage canopy, elegantly displayed in a tiered pattern, emerges bright green in spring and turns attractive shades of orange and red in the fall. In spring, tiny purple and white flowers are borne in short terminal clusters. They are followed by red-winged fruits, which are consumed by songbirds, game birds, and mammals. Vine Maple performs well in cooler climates, or in shaded and moist locations. This western North American native is a smaller alternative to Japanese Maples. It can be used as a very attractive patio or lawn specimen or in a naturalizing situation, and grouping. Acer circinatum is reported to be the most useful native tree for the landscape in the Pacific Northwest.

  • Grows up to 15-25 ft. tall (4-8 m) and 15-20 ft. wide (4-6 m).
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in fairly fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Will suffer in hot, dry conditions.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant.
  • Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning. If pruning is necessary to control the shape, prune during the dormant season and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running.
  • May be affected by verticillium wilt, honey fungus, aphids, caterpillars, mites, and scale insects. Deer resistant.
  • Propagate by seed sown outdoors as soon as ripe, by grafting in late winter, or by chip budding in mid-to-late summer.
  • Native to North America from British Columbia to California.

 

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 4 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, A3
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Sapindaceae
Genus Acer
Common names Maple, Vine Maple
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 15' - 25'
(4.6m - 7.6m)
Spread 15' - 20'
(4.6m - 6.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants California, United States, Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Washington, Alaska
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Acer palmatum ‘Fireglow’ (Japanese Maple)
Acer palmatum ‘Ariadne’ (Japanese Maple)
Acer palmatum ‘Sumi-Nagashi’ (Japanese Maple)
Acer palmatum ‘Pixie’ (Japanese Maple)
Acer pseudoplatanus ‘Brilliantissimum’ (Sycamore Maple)
Acer ginnala (Amur Maple)

Recommended Companion Plants

Picea sitchensis (Sitka Spruce)
Pinus ponderosa (Ponderosa Pine)
Thuja plicata Fluffy® (Western Arborvitae)
Abies amabilis ‘Spreading Star’ (Pacific Silver Fir)
Rubus parviflorus (Thimbleberry)
Aquilegia vulgaris (Columbine)

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Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)
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Great Japanese Maples with Stunning Spring Color
Great Japanese Maples with Striking Coral Bark
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Native Plant Alternatives to Acer platanoides (Norway Maple)
Shrubs and Trees with Attractive Winter Bark
Best Companion Plants for Camellias
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 4 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, A3
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Sapindaceae
Genus Acer
Common names Maple, Vine Maple
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 15' - 25'
(4.6m - 7.6m)
Spread 15' - 20'
(4.6m - 6.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants California, United States, Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Washington, Alaska
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Acer (Maple)
Guides with
Acer (Maple)
Not sure which Acer (Maple) to pick?
Compare Now

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