In the wild, Acer circinatum, commonly know as vine maple, is found as an understory plant to taller trees, such as alder and Douglas fir. In the Buck Lake Native Plant Garden, it is happily growing beneath alders, at the south entrance to the garden. Smaller specimens also grow in the rain garden area. The species vine maple is a multi-trunked large shrub or small tree, growing 10'-15' tall and wide. Small reddish-purple and white flowers in spring are followed by showy, red, winged seeds called samara. The fall foliage is beautiful in shades of red, orange and yellow. Acer circinatum prefers moist growing conditions, but is drought tolerant when established. It is found from British Columbia to Northern California, west of the mountains at low to mid elevations. Every bit as beautiful as Jananese maples, it should have a place in every garden.

Native Americans used the pliable young wood from vine maples to fashion bows, snowshoes, scoop nets for fishing and for making baskets. The older wood was carved into bowls and other utensils and used as firewood.

Glowing brilliant red twigs in autumn and winter set the cultivar, Acer circinatum 'Pacific Fire' apart from the species. Maturing at 12-18' tall, it is a single-trunked small tree and likes full sun to light shade. Since it is typically grafted onto Japanese maple root stock, it is not as drought tolerant as the species and will do best with some water during dry spells.