Vine Maple (Acer circinatum) is a versatile deciduous shrub or small tree native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. It typically grows in the understory of moist forests and along stream banks, reaching heights of 5 to 10 meters. This plant is a key component in forest gardens and agroecological systems due to its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes and in riparian zones. It serves as an excellent understory plant in food forests, providing habitat and food for wildlife, including birds and pollinators. Its dense foliage offers shade and creates a favorable microclimate for other plants. Historically, indigenous peoples have used Vine Maple for crafting and minor medicinal purposes. In a guild, it pairs well with nitrogen-fixing plants like Ceanothus and shade-tolerant herbs such as wild ginger.
Growing Details
Vine Maple thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It performs best in loamy soils enriched with organic matter. Mulching with leaf litter or wood chips helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include shade-tolerant species like ferns and groundcovers such as salal. Common mistakes include overwatering and planting in poorly drained soils. Harvest sap in early spring, and store it in a cool, dar
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Acer circinatum</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Pacific Northwest of North America
applicable geo region: North America
language used: en
Flowering:
middle
of April for 30 days
Harvest:
middle
of September for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: The sap of Vine Maple can be tapped and used as a sweetener, though it is not as productive as other maple species. It is best harvested in early spring when the sap flow is strongest.
Medicinal Rating:
(1/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, Vine Maple has been used by indigenous peoples for minor medicinal purposes, such as treating skin conditions and as an eyewash. The bark can be used in decoctions for its astringent properties.
health concerns:
other uses: Vine Maple wood is used for making small tools and crafts. Its flexible branches are traditionally used in basketry. The plant also serves as an excellent natural hedge due to its dense growth habit.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Acer circinatum</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Acer circinatum
common names: Vine Maple; Oregon Maple; Douglas Maple
family: Sapindaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Acer
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.0 m
spacing: 2.0 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity: Medium
light demands: Medium
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(5/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 10.0 m
max width: 6.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Vine Maple thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It performs best in loamy soils enriched with organic matter. Mulching with leaf litter or wood chips helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include shade-tolerant species like ferns and groundcovers such as salal. Common mistakes include overwatering and planting in poorly drained soils. Harvest sap in early spring, and store it in a cool, dar
Potential Disturbances: Vine Maple is relatively pest-free but can occasionally be affected by aphids and scale insects. Natural pest management includes introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Planting garlic or chives nearby can help deter pests. Neem oil can be used as an organic spray for scale insects.
Growth Timeline
Recipes Using This Plant
Animals Interacting With This Plant
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