Vine Maple • Acer circinatum

In early spring, as the weather begins to warm up, vine maple starts to awaken from its winter dormancy, producing both leaves and small, greenish-yellow or reddish flowers in clusters.

Throughout the summer months, vine maple's foliage becomes lush and vibrant green, and it's main trunk will put on a few inches of new growth.

As the days shorten and temperatures begin to cool, leaves transition from their summer hue to a stunning array of warm and rich fall colors. One of the fascinating aspects of vine maple in the fall is the variation in leaf colors within a single tree. You may notice some leaves turning pale yellow, while others nearby might exhibit shades of deep orange or bright red.

Vine Maple thrives in moist, well-draining soil with ample organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is preferred. Ideally, the site should offer partial shade, as vine maple is often found in the understory of larger trees in the wild. It will do fairly well in a sunnier spot as long as it has adequate moisture. 

Avoid planting in  poor, compacted, dry soils.

Planting in early spring or late fall is best, as it will give the plant enough time to adjust to the soil and put down roots before cold or hot weather arrives. Adding compost mulch will help with both moisture and heat retention, as well as provide needed nutrients during establishment.