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July 29, 2005
Gotta have it
I've been plotting the next garden project
(pending a cooling trend)...
Sunset says:
A. circinatum. VINE MAPLE. Deciduous shrub or small ree. Zones 1-6, 14-17. Native to moist woods, stream banks in coastal mountains of British Columbia south to Northern California. Crooked, sprawling, and vinelike in the forest shade, with many stems from the base; single-trunked small tree 5-35 ft high in full sun. Loses its vinelike characteristics in open situations. Leaves with 5 to 11 lobes, 2 - 6 in. wide as long, light green turning orange, scarlet, or yellow in the fall. New spring foliage usually has reddish tints. Tiny reddish purple flowers in clusters, April - May, followed by paired winged seeds that look like little red bow ties among the green leaves. One of the most airy and delicate western natives. The rare variety 'Monroe' has finely cut leaves.
Let it go untrimmed to make natural bowers, ideal settings for ferns and woodland flowers. Use under a canopy of tall confers where its blazing fall color offers brilliant contrast. Can be espaliered against shady side of a wall. Its contorted leafless branches make an intricate pattern in winter. Select in fall to get best autumn color.
Wayside Gardens catalogue says:
Changes color every season! A stunning dwarf selection of seldom-seen Vine Maple, this native American tree regales you with fan-shaped foliage that emerges yellow with coral hues in spring, turns fresh green for summer, and then burns a rich plum-red in autumn. Resembles a Japanese Maple, but is far more tolerant of heat and humidity. Exquisite!
Posted by Sue at July 29, 2005 08:26 PM
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