Native Plants

Vine Maple

Acer circinatum

Vine maple is a deciduous native shrub or small tree with a broad, often multistemmed form and yellow, orange, or red fall color. In shade, its branches can grow long and low; with more light, the plant tends to be denser and more upright. Expect a mature height of about 10 to 20 feet and a spread of about 15 to 20 feet, with some plants growing taller. Give it room in an understory planting where its shape can develop. For Southwest Washington gardens, choose partial shade to shade, protect it from hot afternoon sun, and provide moist, well-drained soil with regular water.

Ask about this plant

Photo gallery3 photos

Closeup of emerald, green cordate opposite leaves with 7 lobes.

Bunch of flowers with red sepals and white petals & stamens.

At a glance

Mature height: About 10–20 feet; sometimes taller
Mature spread: About 15–20 feet
Light: Partial shade to shade
Hardiness: Generally hardy to USDA zone 5

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

Its spreading form suits an understory planting with room to develop. Vine maple can also support beneficial insects, bees, native butterflies, and other wildlife.

Where to plant

Choose partial shade to shade and leave room for low branches. Plants with more light tend to grow denser and more upright.

Through the seasons

Deciduous leaves may turn yellow, orange, or red in fall.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

Vine maple is native to Washington and Oregon. In Southwest Washington, avoid hot, sunny, dry sites.

Soil, drainage & water

Provide moist, well-drained soil and regular water. A site protected from hot afternoon sun helps limit drying.

A little care goes a long way

Growing well, season after season.

Water regularly, especially where soil dries during warm weather. Protect the plant from hot afternoon sun.

Know what to look for

Common growing concerns.

Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.

Phytophthora ramorum

Visible symptoms alone cannot confirm infection; laboratory testing is needed.

Help your plant thrive

Inspect and isolate new plants before planting. Avoid overhead watering and remove diseased debris.

Good gardens start with a conversation

Let’s find the right plant
for your place.

Ask our team about plant selection and current availability.

Talk to Shovel & Thumb ↗