Vine Maple

Acer circinatum

Physical Characteristics

Acer circinatum is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from October to November. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - British Columbia to California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Sap Edible Uses: Sweetener The sap contains a certain amount of sugar and can either be used as a drink, or can be concentrated into a syrup by boiling off the water[183]. The syrup is used as a sweetener on many foods. The concentration of sugar is considerably lower than in the sugar maples (A. saccharum). The tree trunk is tapped in the early spring, the sap flowing better on warm sunny days following a frost. The best sap production comes from cold-winter areas with continental climates.

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Dysentery The wood was burnt to charcoal and mixed with water and brown sugar then used in the treatment of dysentery and polio[257].

Known Hazards

None known