Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Acer circinatum 'Pacific Fire'

Pacific Fire Vine Maple

Sapindaceae

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

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height10–15 feet (3–4.5 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 'Pacific Fire' is a deciduous large shrub or small tree reaching 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m) tall with a spread of 8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m). The primary distinguishing feature is the coral-red to orange-red coloration of young stems and twigs, visible year-round but most prominent in winter after leaf drop. Bark color fades to greenish-gray on stems older than 2–3 years. Leaves are seven- to nine-lobed, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) wide, medium green, turning orange to red in fall — comparable to the species A. circinatum in leaf form. New growth in spring may show orange to red tints before maturing to green. 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 maple cultivars, 'Pacific Fire' performs best in the cool, moist Pacific Northwest and shows leaf scorch in regions with summer temperatures sustained above 85°F (29°C).

Native Range

Acer circinatum is native to the Pacific Coast of North America from southern British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, and into northwestern California, growing in the understory of coniferous and mixed forests. The 'Pacific Fire' 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 positions where winter stem color is visible from paths or windows at 10–12 foot (3–3.7 m) spacing. Best sited where winter stems are not obscured by other plantings. Suitable for the Pacific Northwest and similar cool-summer maritime climates. Not suited to hot-summer climates, alkaline soils, or drought-prone sites.

How to Identify

Acer circinatum 'Pacific Fire' is distinguished from the species A. circinatum and other vine maple cultivars by coral-red to orange-red coloration on young stems and twigs, most visible in winter. The typical seven- to nine-lobed, nearly circular vine maple leaf with white-and-purple pendant flowers identifies the species. Distinguished from 'Monroe' by normal (not deeply dissected) leaf lobes, and from 'Little Gem' by full species-size leaves and upright habit. Stem color is the most reliable identification feature in winter when leaves are absent.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 15'
Width/Spread8' - 12'

Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
purple

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

orange
red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Small white and purple flowers appear in pendant clusters of 5–20 flowers 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 green, orange-red tints on new growth; orange to red 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. Water weekly during the first two growing seasons and through summer dry spells; established plants tolerate dry intervals of 7–10 days but show leaf scorch under sustained drought or heat. Best suited to the Pacific Northwest and coastal northern California; summer temperatures above 85°F (29°C) cause progressive leaf scorch. The coral-red stem color is most intense on young growth and in full sun; shade reduces stem color intensity. Siting where winter stems are visible maximizes year-round interest. 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. To maximize coral-red stem color, selectively remove older gray stems in late spring, encouraging new growth that will show the most vivid color the following winter. Avoid removing more than one-third of stems in a single season. Remove basal suckers if a defined form is desired.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic