Acer circinatum is a vine-like deciduous tree or large shrub native to moist woodlands and streambanks of western North America, from British Columbia south through Oregon. In its native forest it often sprawls and layers, rooting where branches touch the ground — hence vine maple — but in the garden it can be trained to a more upright form or allowed its natural, multi-stemmed character. The leaves are nearly circular, with seven to nine lobes, turning in autumn to orange, red, and gold in combinations especially vivid in the cool, moist conditions it prefers.

Growing 10 to 25 feet in zones 4 to 7, it tolerates drier soils once established but performs best where moisture is reliable through summer. It grows in considerable shade, making it useful for the north-facing or woodland garden where other maples would thin out and struggle. For West Coast gardeners in particular, Vine Maple is a native tree of authentic beauty that needs only the climate it already understands.