Lushootseed name: t̕əqt̕qac (t-ahk-nt-katz)

Location: Standing at the northwest corner or Paccar Hall on the small footpath surrounded by small shrubs.

Summary: In a state renowned for trees which tower above and astound, the Vine Maple is one which is a little closer to our level. This is an understory tree, well-adapted to life in the shadow of others. While it can grow in full sun (provided adequate water), in most forests this species grows in a twisting, spiraling dance to find sunlight, spreading smooth greenish branches in a sprawl into scattered patches of light trickling through gaps in the canopy. The name of “vine” comes from this tree’s ability to send down new roots where its branches touch soil, allowing it to spread more effectively across the forest floor. It is slow growing, usually achieving heights of no more than 25’. 

One of the three types of maples native to Washington State, the stems of the Vine Maple are often green, containing chlorophyll. This allows this deciduous species to continue producing energy even in the winter. Fall colors are marvelous, from red to yellow, and particularly lovely in more undisturbed forest with old thickets of this tree. The wood is strong and pliable, and is traditionally used by the Coast Salish people to fashion bows and frames for fishing nets, as well as snowshoes and baby cradles. The tree is traditionally referred to as the “Basket Tree” by the Quinault of the Olympic Peninsula due to its capacity for being woven into vessels for carrying and storing food and supplies. The flowers and young sprouts are edible, and the species is popular as a landscaping tree (though many improperly plant it in wide open spaces where excess sunlight can act as a source of stress). Vine maples which are cut, or exposed to fire, landslide, or flood, can often spring back from the roots, making them a wonderfully resilient species 

Historical Background: One of our native maple species, it is used in restoration and as an ornamental shrub in landscaping. The Coast Salish people craft bows and frames for fishing nets using this tree. Other tribes have boiled the bark to make tea. 

Native

Native Range: Alaska, B.C., Northern California, Pacific Coast

Identifying Features light: The vine maple is one of the smaller species on this tour, generally more shrublike, achieving height of about 25” (7m) in larger specimens, and exhibiting very low apical control. Sometimes branches will droop and root then form a new cluster of trees. It is distinguished by the classic lobed leaves of a maple, but much smaller than those of the bigleaf maple, another native relative. The leaves are light green, opposite and deciduous, toothed on the margins and generally hairy on both sides. They turn brilliantly in autumn to anywhere from gold to dark red.

Identifying Features In Depth:

1. Form: Shrubby or small tree up to 25” (7m) in height with low apical control and open foliage, specialized for the forest understory. Stems begin as a pale green color but turn gray to dull brown as they age. 

2. Leaves: Leaves are roundish with 7-9 lobes and pointed tips, toothed margins, and small hairs on each light green surface. They grow from 2-5’ (5-12cm) across in an opposite pattern and have distinctive veins traveling from the base in a palmate pattern to each lobe. Leaves turn anywhere from gold to deep red in fall.

3. Bark: Smooth and light green on young growth becoming smooth and gray to brown on older growth.

4. Reproductive Bodies: Produces small (6-9mm) white flower in broad clusters at the end of shoots which give rise to small winged fruits 1-2’ (2-4cm) in length turning from green to reddish brown with age. The wings spread widely, almost straight across the dual seed pairs and fall in the helicopter way typical of maples.