A small to medium size tree. Vine Maple prefers the shade of the forest canopy, spreading out in the shade. The bark is smooth and the branches are springy and flexible. The leaves are slightly hairy and have seven to nine pointed lobes. The leaves are bright green, turning gold to red in fall. 

Baskets, drums, snowshoes, roof supports, bows, utensils, shinny sticks, scrubbers, and for suspending cradles. Large carrying baskets were made by weaving it coarsely. Vine maple can make a good circular drum frame because it is lightweight, strong, and springy. Because it is flexible and strong, it was used to make frames for snowshoes. Long, thick vine maple poles made good roof supports for longhouses. Bows and utensils were occasionally made with vine maple, although other wood sources were preferred. Vine maple branches can make a good stick for a game of shinny. Braided vine maple could be used as a scrubber for cleansing. Springy branches were used to suspend baby cradles from the rafters, giving a gentle bounce and sway.

Vine Maple prefers the moist understory of a forest although it can tolerate a sunny location. You can find it in low to mid elevation.

Vine Maple prefers moist, shady locations but can tolerate sun. It can grow to 15-30 feet tall and likes to spread its branches out in all directions. Wildlife is attracted to it in many ways. Deer eat the leaves in summer and the seeds, buds, and flowers provide food for birds, squirrels, and rodents.