Vine Maple
Acer circinatum
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Pl. 664A — Acer circinatum
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IOverview
Overview
Vine Maple (Acer circinatum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the Pacific Northwest, ranging from Alaska and British Columbia southward to California and east into Washington. Known for its edible sap, which can be tapped similarly to maple syrup production, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial shade. Its distinctive, often twisted branches and lobed leaves make it a unique addition to gardens or natural landscapes. Vine Maple prefers soil pH between 5.5 and 7.5, making it adaptable to various growing environments within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Vine Maple?
Vine Maple (Acer circinatum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the Pacific Northwest, ranging from Alaska and British Columbia southward to California and east into Washington.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Vine Maple (Acer circinatum) thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils of medium texture. It is hardy in zones 6-9 and can grow up to 12 meters tall, adapting to a variety of soil pH levels between 5.5 and 7.5. For propagation, use cuttings or seeds. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture, especially during dry periods, as it requires consistently moist conditions. While hardy in temperate regions, protect young plants from extreme cold. Sap is edible but not commonly used for consumption.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Habit
Tree, Shrub, Vine
Mature size
12.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Vine Maple for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Vine Maple in a suitable location and basic care to ensure its healthy growth.
- 1
What you'll need
Vine Maple saplings, garden gloves, spade or shovel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5; prepare a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the sapling's root ball.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings from containers directly into the ground, ensuring roots are spread out in the planting hole.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain the tree's health and shape; no sap harvesting is recommended for beginners.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular pruning, using incorrect soil pH, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Sap
Edible uses: Sweetener
Other uses:Weaving materialFire starterPaintPreservativeLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 5 native
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:British Columbia, California, Oregon, Washington
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 664a5972-ff52-4da1-bd97-b1896d296c77
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