www.SchollsValley.com<br />PO Box 231088<br />Tigard, OR 97223<br />Phone: 503.624.1766 <br />Fax: 503.624.2766<br />Vine Maples are Widely Enjoyed in the Northwest<br />Vine Maples are small deciduous trees or large shrubs that are considered to be one of the best native plants for home landscapes in the Northwest. They’re extremely easy to grow, have appealing bark coloration, and the leaves of Vine Maples in the fall are gorgeous. They’re versatile and able to grow in various settings.<br />Vine Maple leaves range in size from about 2 ½ to 4 ½ inches. The leaves are nearly circular and have 7 to 9 pointed lobes with coarsely-toothed edges. When they first emerge in spring, young Vine Maple leaves are red and slightly hairy, but they quickly turn a yellowish-green on top with a downy, pale green underside. The seed pods are the familiar “winged helicopters” or “spread-V” shape that’s common to maples. Before the leaves drop in the fall, they turn a stunning gold or vivid orange-red color. <br />These small trees have an interesting, visually appealing growth pattern. The lower limbs grow in a crooked, sinuous, vine-like manner, with multiple stems sprouting from the plant’s base. Likewise, the plant’s thin trunk tends to grow crookedly, which adds to its interest. Growing in the wild, the Vine Maple often looks shrub-like, with multiple trunks. But, with judicious pruning of the lower stems, a Vine Maple can be encouraged to develop into a small, upright tree that will reach up to 25 feet tall.<br />In the wild, stands of Vine Maples grow far below the canopies of much taller native trees. As a result, these small trees thrive in dappled shade – the kind you’d see in a forest. They like moisture and are often found growing along stream banks in woods. However, they also grow happily in open areas as long as they get some shade during the day. The soil can be anything from dry to moist, although moist is usually better.<br />Vine Maples are extremely easy to grow, and they’re not known to be susceptible to pests. Their use as an ornamental tree is enhanced by their ability to bend over easily. Occasionally when this happens, a Vine Maple will grow right into the ground and develop a new root system. An unusual natural living arch is often the result. Clearly, the Vine Maple is one of the Northwest’s most desirable native plants.
