Acer circinatum, also known as the Vine Maple is a multi-faceted species, native to the western coast of North America, offers more than meets the eye. Found within 190 miles of the Pacific Ocean coast, from British Columbia to northern California, it thrives under tall forest trees and in open terrains, ascending up to a remarkable altitude of 5000 ft. Endowed with a sizeable sap yield, it can be utilized as a natural sweetener in foods or drinks, or even transformed into a distinct syrup through a simple boiling process. The Vine Maple typically grows as a large shrub, measuring around 15-25 ft high, but can occasionally reach an impressive 60 ft as a small to medium-sized tree. Its leaves, which are aesthetically palmately lobed with 7 to 11 lobes, turn a vivid yellow to orange-red in autumn, making it a striking addition to any landscape or garden. Perhaps one of the most intriguing attributes of the Vine Maple is its extraordinary layering ability, making it one of the very few maples in the world that can grow a new root system from a tree top that has grown into the ground, thus creating a stunning natural arch. Indeed, the Vine Maple's unique combination of beauty and adaptability has propelled its cultivation beyond its native range, gracing locales from the chilling landscapes of Juneau, Alaska, to the bustling heart of northwestern Europe.
