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vine maple

Scientific Name: Acer circinatum

Family: Aceraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub, Vine

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Acer circinatum: The Enchanting Vine Maple

The Acer circinatum, commonly known as Vine Maple, is a captivating species native to western North America. Its unique growth habit and vibrant fall colors make it a popular choice for home landscapes and a vital part of the Northwest forest ecosystem.

Considerations for Pets

  • Vine Maple can become a sprawling shrub that grows into dense thickets.
  • The plant has flower sites.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acer circinatum Pursh
  • Family: Aceraceae (Maple Family)
  • Common Names: Vine Maple, Oregon Vine Maple
  • Plant Symbol: ACCI

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to western North America, ranging from southwest British Columbia to northern California.
  • Commonly found within 300 meters (approximately 984 feet) elevation.
  • Grows throughout the Pacific Northwest, specifically from the Cascade Mountains to the coast and from southwestern British Columbia.
  • In its natural environment, it grows as an understory small tree or large shrub under taller trees like Douglas fir and western red cedar.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching up to 12 meters (39 feet) in height and 8 meters (26 feet) in width.
  • Often features a short trunk or several branches that twist and turn from the base, sometimes resembling a vine.
  • May have a trunk that grows almost horizontally and roots if it touches the ground.
  • Can become a sprawling shrub, forming dense thickets.
  • In forest shade, it exhibits a multistemmed, shrubby, spreading, sprawling, and vine-like growth habit.
  • In full sunlight, it tends to be bushier and denser.
  • Bears serrated spherical leaves with 7 to 11 lobes arranged oppositely along the stem.
  • Flowers are approximately 1.2 cm (0.5 inches) wide.

Ecological Role

  • An important part of the Northwest forest ecosystem.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Provides nesting, flower sites, and cover for many birds and mammals.

General Bloom and Ripening Time

  • General bloom time: late April-June
  • Fruit ripens: late September or October

Further Information

  • USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center
  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
  • Encyclopedia of Life: http://eol.org/pages
  • Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vine_maple