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Acer circinatum
vine maple
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Image © Al Dodson (www.aldodson.com)
Image © Al Dodson (www.aldodson.com)
Image © Al Dodson (www.aldodson.com) |
Printer-friendly Fact Sheet
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| Outstanding Qualities |
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This multi-stemmed tree’s habit of producing sprawling branches when growing in the forest under our huge native conifers has earned it the common name of vine maple. Very closely related to Japanese maples, our Pacific Northwest native has the same versatility in the small garden or woodland. Its trunks are green when young and have architectural interest. A popular spot for this small tree is in a courtyard garden, where its trunks give the illusion of a small grove. Its fresh, light green leaves turn orange and red in late summer, especially if the summer has been dry, but they remain on the tree well into fall, thus providing a flash of brilliance before other trees even consider it to be autumn. Vine maple is very easy to grow. |
| Culture |
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Vine maples grow in full sun, part shade or full shade but fall color is best with at least half a day of sun. They grow in a wide range of soil types and are drought tolerant once established. |
| Growing Habit |
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Acer circinatum is a multi-stemmed, deciduous, large shrub or small tree. It grows more quickly (12 to 18 inches a year) when young. It matures at about 15 to 20 feet high and wide. In sun, its branches are more upright; in the forest, they sprawl along the ground, giving it the common name of vine maple. |
| Hardiness |
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USDA zones 5 to 8 |
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© 2009 Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden