A compact native maple with delicate, lacy leaves and a standout fall show in orange, red, and gold, made for small gardens and woodland edges
FEATURES:
- Compact vine maple selection with a smaller footprint for tighter spaces
- Rounded, layered branching that adds soft structure and a natural woodland look
- Delicate, lacy foliage with a fine texture that plays beautifully in dappled light
- Excellent understory tree for part shade and woodland-style plantings
- Great for courtyards and patios where a small tree can create intimacy without crowding
- Fall color in orange, red, and gold for a vivid seasonal finale
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
In shade, contrast is everything. Pair this with deep green evergreens and fine-textured underplantings like ferns or woodland grasses. The result is a layered look that feels calm and intentional, and when fall color hits, the whole scene looks like it was designed specifically for October.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Mature Height: 8-12' tall
- Mature Width: 8-12' wide
- Exposure: Part Shade/Full Sun
- Spacing: 8-12' apart
Little Gem Vine Maple
Bower & Branch Trees and Plants
Acer circinatum 'Little Gem'
Regular priceSave 25% on All Tree Collections with code: SPRINGBEST25 at checkout.
Plant with Confidence when choosing Big & Tall Trees and Hedges!
A compact native maple with delicate, lacy leaves and a standout fall show in orange, red, and gold, made for small gardens and woodland edges
FEATURES:
- Compact vine maple selection with a smaller footprint for tighter spaces
- Rounded, layered branching that adds soft structure and a natural woodland look
- Delicate, lacy foliage with a fine texture that plays beautifully in dappled light
- Excellent understory tree for part shade and woodland-style plantings
- Great for courtyards and patios where a small tree can create intimacy without crowding
- Fall color in orange, red, and gold for a vivid seasonal finale
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
In shade, contrast is everything. Pair this with deep green evergreens and fine-textured underplantings like ferns or woodland grasses. The result is a layered look that feels calm and intentional, and when fall color hits, the whole scene looks like it was designed specifically for October.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Mature Height: 8-12' tall
- Mature Width: 8-12' wide
- Exposure: Part Shade/Full Sun
- Spacing: 8-12' apart
Why plant Little Gem Vine Maple?
Little Gem Vine Maple brings the charm of a native woodland maple to gardens that don’t have room for a big canopy. It has a compact habit and graceful, layered branching that feels natural and relaxed, like it belongs at the edge of a forest path. The foliage is finely textured and elegant, catching light in a way that makes shaded gardens feel brighter and more dimensional.
Then fall arrives and it becomes the seasonal headline, turning in a mix of orange, red, and gold that reads rich and warm even on overcast days. It’s a small tree with a big impact, especially in woodland borders, shade gardens, and intimate spaces where subtle beauty matters.
How to use Little Gem Vine Maple in the landscape?
Use it as an understory focal tree in part shade, tucked into woodland borders where the branching can be appreciated against evergreens and the fall color can glow in dappled light. It’s also ideal near patios, paths, and entry gardens where a smaller canopy adds softness and a sense of enclosure without blocking views. Plant it near dark green conifers or broadleaf evergreens so the leaf texture stands out through summer and the orange, red, and gold fall color looks even more vivid. Keep the base planting simple with ferns, shade groundcovers, and low perennials so the trunk and layered form remain visible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vine maple has small, subtle spring flowers that are not showy. The main ornamental features are its delicate foliage, graceful form, and standout fall color.
Yes. Vine maple is well suited to part shade and woodland conditions. In hotter climates, afternoon shade can help keep the foliage looking its best, while some sun can enhance fall color.
Prune lightly in late winter or after leaf drop to remove crossing branches and maintain a pleasing structure. Keep pruning minimal to preserve the natural, layered form that makes vine maple so attractive.
