Vine-leaf Maple Acer cissifolium
ABOUT
Commonly known as the Ivy-leaved Maple, this plant is distinctive for its foliage that bears a strong resemblance to that of ivy, with three lobed leaves that are attractively serrated along the edges. The leaves have a glossy appearance on the upper surface and are a vibrant green color, which transitions to a striking display of red, orange, and yellow in the fall. The Ivy-leaved Maple produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring, followed by winged seeds typical of many maples that can catch the wind and travel some distance from the parent plant. The overall form of the Ivy-leaved Maple is graceful, with an open branching habit that contributes to its aesthetic appeal as a landscape plant. The bark is smooth, providing an additional textural element to the plant's appearance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Sapindaceae
Synonyms
Ivy-leaved Maple, Vineleaf Maple
Common names
Acer cissifolium, Acer barbatum var. cissifolium, Acer henryi var. cissifolium, Acer henryi subsp. cissifolium, Acer maximowiczii var. cissifolium, Negundo cissifolium.
ToxicityTo humans
Acer cissifolium, commonly known as the Ivy-leaved Maple, is not widely recognized as a poisonous plant to humans. There is limited or no notable information regarding its toxicity for ingestion by humans. Hence, no specific symptoms of poisoning are typically associated with this plant.
To pets
Ivy-leaved Maple, or Acer cissifolium, does not have a well-documented toxicity profile for pets such as dogs or cats. There are no specific reports suggesting that this type of maple tree poses a significant risk if pets ingest its parts. Therefore, there are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning known for this maple in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
Spread
20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem Support: Acer cissifolium, commonly known as the Ivy-leaved Maple, offers habitats and food sources for a variety of wildlife, including insects and birds.
- Ornamental Value: With its attractive foliage that changes color with the seasons, the Ivy-leaved Maple is used in landscaping and garden design for aesthetic purposes.
- Shade Provider: The tree can provide shade in gardens, parks, and urban environments, creating cooler areas during warm months.
- Soil Stability: The root system of the Ivy-leaved Maple helps in preventing soil erosion and stabilizing slopes or banks.
- Carbon Sequestration: Like other trees, it captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping mitigate the impact of greenhouse gases.
- Biodiversity Enhancement: Planting native species like the Ivy-leaved Maple can contribute to the preservation of local biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: This tree offers visual interest throughout the seasons, from spring blossoms to autumn leaf color, and sometimes interesting winter branch patterns.
- Educational Resource: The Ivy-leaved Maple can serve as an educational tool for teaching botany, ecology, and environmental science.
- Cultural Significance: It may have particular cultural or historical importance in certain regions, contributing to heritage and traditional landscape aesthetics.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Acer cissifolium, known commonly as the vine-leaf maple, can be utilized in woodworking and carpentry for its attractive wood grain, which can be crafted into furniture, decorative objects, or finely detailed work such as inlays.
- The wood of vine-leaf maple is ideal for crafting musical instruments like guitar necks, violin bows, or woodwind instruments due to its strength and fine texture.
- Vine-leaf maple’s spring sap can be tapped and reduced to make a sweet syrup similar to that of its relative, the sugar maple, though it is not as commonly done.
- The leaves can be used in educational settings for botanical studies since they provide an example of a unique leaf shape among maples, which can help students learn about leaf identification.
- In landscape design, the vine-leaf maple is planted for erosion control because its root system helps to stabilize soil on slopes and riverbanks.
- Due to its moderate size and attractive foliage, vine-leaf maple is popular in bonsai culture, lending itself to artful miniature representations of mature trees.
- The vine-leaf maple's ornamental foliage is sometimes used in floral arrangements, especially in autumn when the leaves change to their characteristic vivid colors.
- The tree is planted in urban environments as a shade tree to help reduce the heat island effect thanks to its dense canopy and cooling transpiration.
- Utilized in traditional woodworking crafts, vine-leaf maple wood can be fashioned into artisanal kitchen utensils like spoons or cutting boards that showcase the wood's aesthetic qualities.
- In photography and painting, the vine-leaf maple's striking autumn foliage provides an inspiring subject for artists and photographers, particularly during the fall season.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ivy-leaved Maple is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Ivy-leaved Maple is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: The Ivy-leaved Maple (Acer cissifolium) is capable of growing under varying light conditions, symbolizing the ability to adapt to different environments and situations in life.
- Strength: As a maple species, the Ivy-leaved Maple shares the same symbolism of strength and endurance commonly associated with maple trees due to their hard wood.
- Beauty: With its delicate foliage and graceful form, the Ivy-leaved Maple represents the aesthetic beauty found in nature.
- Longevity: Maple trees in general are known for their longevity, signifying long life and wisdom in cultural symbolism.
WaterThe Vine Maple should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage a strong root system. During the growing season, water once a week with about 2 gallons if there has been no significant rainfall, adjusting for particularly hot or dry conditions. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. For container-grown specimens, water when the top inch of soil feels dry. It's important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
LightThe Vine Maple prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. It thrives under the dappled sunlight of larger trees or on the north or east side of a building where it receives some morning sun and afternoon shade. Direct afternoon sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves, so avoid placing it in full sun especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureThe Vine Maple is hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. The ideal temperature range is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Sudden temperature drops below the survival range can be harmful to the plant, so ensure it is well-positioned to avoid frost damage.
PruningPrune the Vine Maple to maintain its shape or to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning is typically done once a year, but light trimming can be done throughout the growing season if necessary.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Vine Maple is well-draining with high organic content. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and perlite or pumice is ideal. Aim for a soil pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
RepottingVine Maple should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Young trees may require more frequent repotting.
Humidity & MistingVine Maple prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-70%. It thrives in naturally humid environments without the need for misting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect sunlight and a humid environment for Vine Maple.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with moist, well-draining soil for Vine Maple.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Acer cissifolium, commonly known as Vine-leaf Maple, begins with seed germination, which occurs in ideal moist and well-drained soil conditions typically found in woodland environments. Following germination, seedlings establish themselves and grow rapidly during spring and early summer, developing characteristic trifoliate leaves. As the sapling matures into a young tree, it develops a sturdy trunk and branches, with growth slowing down notably after the initial few years. The Vine-leaf Maple reaches reproductive maturity and begins to flower, producing small, inconspicuous flowers which after pollination develop into winged seeds called samaras. These samaras are dispersed by wind, allowing for propagation at a distance from the parent tree. Finally, after many years, the mature Acer cissifolium tree will decline in vigor, completing its life cycle as it succumbs to environmental stresses or old age.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the vine maple, scientifically known as Acer circinatum, is through softwood cuttings. This technique involves taking cuttings from new growth in late spring or early summer when the stems are still flexible. To ensure success, a 4 to 6 inch cutting should be taken just below a leaf node, as this is where the concentration of rooting hormones is highest. The bottom leaves are removed and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cuttings should then be placed in a well-draining growing medium, kept moist, and ideally under a humidity dome or in a propagation chamber with bottom heat to maintain an optimal rooting environment. Roots typically develop in a few weeks, after which the new vine maple starts can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before planting out.
