Pacific Fire Vine Maple - The Striking Red Tree

Have you ever seen a tree with bright red leaves? If not, let me introduce you to the Pacific Fire Vine Maple. This striking tree is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America and is known for its vivid red leaves. In this blog post, we will delve into the characteristics, growth habits, and benefits of this beautiful tree.

Characteristics of Pacific Fire Vine Maple

Appearance

The Pacific Fire Vine Maple (Acer circinatum 'Pacific Fire') is a small, deciduous tree that typically grows up to 20 feet tall and wide. Its leaves are palmately lobed, meaning they have five or seven pointed lobes that radiate out from the center like fingers on a hand. The leaves are bright red in spring and summer, turning to a deep, burgundy color in the fall. The tree's bark is smooth, gray, and sometimes corky in texture.

Location

This tree is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, including British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and northern California. It prefers to grow in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It can also tolerate full sun if given enough water.

Cultivation

Pacific Fire Vine Maple is easy to cultivate and makes a great addition to any garden or landscape. It is commonly grown as an ornamental tree for its beautiful foliage. It can be propagated by cuttings, but it is most commonly planted from container-grown plants.

Growth Habits of Pacific Fire Vine Maple

Size and Shape

As mentioned earlier, the Pacific Fire Vine Maple typically reaches a height and width of up to 20 feet. It has an upright, compact shape with dense foliage that provides excellent shade.

Growth Rate

This tree is considered a slow-growing species, which means it can take several years to reach its full size. However, its slow growth rate makes it easy to maintain and prune.

Pruning

Pacific Fire Vine Maple benefits from regular pruning to keep its shape and promote healthy growth. Prune in late winter to early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches.

Propagation

Propagation of Pacific Fire Vine Maple can be by taking softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in late fall or early winter. The tree can also be propagated from seed, but this method is less reliable.

Benefits of Pacific Fire Vine Maple

Ornamental Value

The most notable benefit of Pacific Fire Vine Maple is its ornamental value. It is a beautiful tree that adds color and interest to any landscape. Its bright red leaves in spring and summer are especially striking and make it a popular choice for gardens and parks.

Wildlife Habitat

Pacific Fire Vine Maple also provides habitat for wildlife. Its dense foliage and bark provide shelter for birds and small animals, while its flowers and seeds attract pollinators and other beneficial insects.

Environmental Benefits

Trees are known for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Pacific Fire Vine Maple is no exception. By planting this tree, you are helping to reduce your carbon footprint and improve air quality.

Medicinal Properties

Some studies have shown that the bark of Pacific Fire Vine Maple may have medicinal properties. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever and pain.

How to Grow Pacific Fire Vine Maple

Planting

Choose a location with well-drained soil and partial shade. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the tree. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, making sure to tamp down the soil around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting.

Watering

Pacific Fire Vine Maple prefers moist soil, so water regularly during the growing season. Make sure the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the fall to help the tree prepare for winter.

Fertilizing

Fertilize young trees in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Once established, Pacific Fire Vine Maple does not require regular fertilization unless the soil is particularly poor.

Maintenance

Prune regularly to maintain the tree's shape and promote healthy growth. Mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pacific Fire Vine Maple vs. Other Maples

Red Maple

Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is another species of maple known for its red foliage. However, Red Maple is a larger tree that can reach heights of up to 100 feet. Its leaves are also a darker shade of red than those of Pacific Fire Vine Maple.

Sugar Maple

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) is a popular ornamental and commercial tree known for its stunning fall foliage. Its leaves are typically yellow, orange, or red in the fall, and it produces sap that is used to make maple syrup. Sugar Maple can grow up to 100 feet tall and is more cold-tolerant than Pacific Fire Vine Maple.

FAQs about Pacific Fire Vine Maple

1. Is Pacific Fire Vine Maple a good choice for small gardens?

Yes, Pacific Fire Vine Maple is an excellent choice for small gardens because of its compact size.

2. Can Pacific Fire Vine Maple be grown in full sun?

Yes, Pacific Fire Vine Maple can be grown in full sun as long as it is given enough water.

3. How often should I water my Pacific Fire Vine Maple?

Water your Pacific Fire Vine Maple regularly during the growing season, making sure the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.

4. When is the best time to prune Pacific Fire Vine Maple?

Prune Pacific Fire Vine Maple in late winter to early spring before new growth appears.

5. Does Pacific Fire Vine Maple have any pests or diseases?

Pacific Fire Vine Maple is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to verticillium wilt and fungal leaf spots.


In Pacific Fire Vine Maple is a beautiful tree with stunning red leaves that add color and interest to any landscape. It is easy to cultivate, slow-growing, and provides many benefits, such as wildlife habitat and environmental benefits. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can grow and enjoy this striking tree in your own garden or landscape.