Vine maple

Acer circinatum Pursh

Family: SapindaceaeZones: 4a-7b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

NC State's Plant Toolbox has no human-poison record, and no other source states one. This is not proof the plant is safe to eat.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

NC State states no toxicity information. ASPCA has no page for "vine maple" (checked 10/11/26), so there is no ASPCA verdict.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 4a-7b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: Part shade for best performance (NC State); the page lists full sun, part shade and deep shade as tolerated. Upright in sun, a delicate horizontal habit in shade.
Water needs: high
Mature size: 10-25 ft tall, 15-20 ft wide per NC State
Where it comes from: Western North America, moist woodlands and streambanks; NC State lists distribution as AK, CA, OR, WA.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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