Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Acer circinatum 'Monroe'

Monroe Vine Maple

Sapindaceae

Pacific Coast of North America (British Columbia to northwestern California)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height8–15 feet (2.4–4.5 m)
Width8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m)
Maturity12 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 8
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Native to North America
Maintenancelow

Overview

Acer circinatum 'Monroe' is a deciduous large shrub or small tree reaching 8–15 feet (2.4–4.5 m) tall with a spread of 8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m), similar in overall size to the species A. circinatum but with a more upright, arching habit. The distinguishing feature is the deeply dissected foliage: leaves are seven- to nine-lobed with sinuses cut nearly to the leaf center and individual lobes further divided with deeply serrated to lobed margins, giving a fine, lacy texture unlike any other vine maple cultivar. Leaves are 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) wide, medium to dark green, turning orange to scarlet in fall. Small white and purple flowers appear in pendant clusters in April–May. Samaras, 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm), are red when fresh, maturing to tan in August–September. Like all vine maples, this cultivar performs best in the cool, moist Pacific Northwest climate and shows leaf scorch when temperatures sustain above 85°F (29°C).

Native Range

Acer circinatum is native to the Pacific Coast of North America, ranging from southern British Columbia south through Washington and Oregon to northwestern California, growing in the understory of coniferous and mixed forests along streams and in moist ravines. The 'Monroe' cultivar was developed through horticultural selection and does not occur in wild populations.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen in woodland gardens, mixed shrub borders, and understory positions at 10–12 foot (3–3.7 m) spacing. The finely dissected foliage provides textural contrast in the landscape. Best sited in a sheltered position with afternoon shade in the warmer portions of its range. Not suited to hot-summer climates, sites with afternoon sun in warm regions, or alkaline soils.

How to Identify

Acer circinatum 'Monroe' is distinguished from all other vine maple cultivars by its very deeply dissected leaves with sinuses cut nearly to the center of the leaf and lobes that are themselves lobed and deeply serrated, creating a finely cut, feathery appearance. Distinguished from the species A. circinatum and from 'Little Gem' by this extreme leaf dissection. The nearly circular leaf outline and white-and-purple pendant flowers are shared with all A. circinatum. The more upright, arching branch structure is more tree-like than the typical multi-stemmed sprawling habit of the species.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8' - 15'
Width/Spread8' - 12'

Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
purple

Foliage Colors

green
dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

orange
red
scarlet

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Small white and purple flowers appear in pendant clusters in April–May as new leaves emerge. Individual flowers are 0.3–0.4 inch (8–10 mm) across with white petals and purple sepals. Samaras, 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm), are red when fresh, maturing to tan in August–September.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white petals with purple sepals

Foliage Description

medium to dark green; orange to scarlet in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10–15 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0 in partial shade to full sun in cool climates. Water weekly during the first two growing seasons and through summer dry spells; established plants tolerate brief dry intervals of 7–10 days. Leaf scorch occurs when temperatures sustain above 85°F (29°C). Best suited to the Pacific Northwest, coastal northern California, and similar cool-summer maritime climates. Afternoon shade reduces scorch risk in warmer parts of its range. No routine fertilization is required in amended soils.

Pruning

Prune in late spring to early summer (May–June) after leaf-out to minimize sap bleeding. The naturally upright-arching structure requires minimal shaping. Remove dead or crossing branches to maintain the open, arching form. Avoid late summer or fall pruning. Basal suckers should be removed to their point of origin if a single- or few-stemmed form is desired.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic
Acer circinatum 'Monroe' (Monroe Vine Maple) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef