Family: Sapindaceae
Author: Pursh
Bibliography: Fl. Amer. Sept. 1: 267 (1813)
Year: 1813
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Acer
Vegetable: False
Observations: Alaska to N. California
Description
The Vine Maple, scientifically known as Acer circinatum, is a captivating deciduous tree, belonging to the diverse and extensive Sapindaceae family. First documented in the early 19th century, this species has captured the attention of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike due to its unique growth patterns and aesthetic appeal.
Originating from the rich and varied landscapes stretching from Alaska down through Northern California, the Vine Maple has adapted beautifully to the temperate climates and forest edges of the Pacific Northwest. Its natural habitat encompasses moist, well-drained soils, often found along stream banks and shaded woodlands, where it plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem.
The Vine Maple is renowned for its multi-stemmed, arching growth habit, often forming an intricate network of branches that create a delicate, layered canopy. This growth pattern gives it an almost vine-like appearance, which is particularly striking in contrast to the more rigid form of many other maple species. The leaves of Acer circinatum are relatively small, typically measuring between 3 to 5 inches across, and are characterized by their rounded shape, sporting seven to nine finely toothed lobes.
In the spring and summer months, the Vine Maple’s leaves reveal a vibrant green hue that serves as a lush backdrop for forest understories. As autumn sets in, the foliage transforms into a stunning array of colors, ranging from yellow to a deep, breathtaking red, adding a spectacular splash of color to the landscape. This seasonal display is one of the key reasons why the Vine Maple is so cherished in both natural settings and cultivated gardens.
Adding to its ornamental value are the small, delicate flowers that the Vine Maple produces in the spring. These flowers, often tinged with hues of red and pink, are arranged in small clusters and give way to winged seeds, known as samaras, which mature and disperse with the wind by late summer. This reproductive strategy helps ensure the widespread propagation of the species across its native range.
The adaptability and aesthetic versatility of the Vine Maple make it an excellent choice for gardeners and landscapers looking to incorporate native flora into their designs. Its ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions and its resilience in shaded areas make it particularly useful for naturalizing garden spaces and for use as an understory plant in larger arboreal compositions.
In summary, Acer circinatum, or the Vine Maple, is a botanical gem of the Pacific Northwest. Its graceful form, dynamic seasonal foliage, and ecological importance underscore its esteemed status among North America’s native trees. Whether found in wild woodlands or in cultivated landscapes, the Vine Maple continues to capture the imagination and admiration of all who encounter it.
Common Names
Dan: vin-løn
Eng: vine maple
Swe: vinlönn
Fra: érable circiné
En: Vine maple, Mountain maple
Ar: قيقب دائري
Zh: 圓葉楓
Da: Vin-løn
Fi: Viinivaahtera
Fr: Erable a feuilles rondes, Erable circine, Érable circiné
De: Rundblättriger Ahorn, Wein-Ahorn (Weinahorn), Weinblatt-Ahorn (Weinblattahorn), Weinblatt-Ahorn
Hu: Szőlőlevelű juhar
Is: Skjaldhlynur
Lv: Apaļlapu kļava
No: Vinlønn
Fa: افرای تاکی
Pl: Klon okrągłolistny
Ru: Клён завитой
Sv: Vinlönn
Zh-tw: 圓葉楓
Tr: Asma yapraklı akçaağaç
Vi: Phong lá nho
Synonyms
- Acer virgatum (Raf.)
- Acer circinatum f. fulvum ((J.K.Henry) A.E.Murray)
- Acer circinatum var. fulvum (J.K.Henry)
- Acer modocense (Greene)
- Acer macounii (Greene)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Washington (native)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Melody Bateman (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2021 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Kyle Pearce from Vancouver, Canada (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2022 by James Sorjonen (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 7, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2021 by Egon Krogsgaard (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 7, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − El Grafo (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 17, 2021 by Jeremy Disnard (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 24, 2022 by Steph Connolly (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2021 by Egon Krogsgaard (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 24, 2022 by Steph Connolly (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 3, 2013 by EOL − david_delin (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 18, 2020 by paul al (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 7, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 10, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 10, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 11, 2022 by Tracey Goldberg (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 23, 2014 by EOL − irenemoore (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 29, 2014 by EOL − vivalabotany (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 26, 2013 by EOL − Thraen (cc-by)
Taken May 7, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 11, 2022 by Tracey Goldberg (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3189884)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:317375-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acer circinatum Pursh)
Specifications
Growth form: Single Stem
Growth habit: Tree, Shrub, Vine
Growth rate: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 5.5