This native of the Pacific Northwest is considered a weed by farmers and some forest managers because of its tendency to grow wherever soil has been disturbed. For the same reason, though, it is an important soil stabilizing plant on slopes or where fire has destroyed other surface plants. It is naturally found as an understory with second growth Douglas fir, red alder and western hemlock.

When used in landscaping, vine maple can create a woodsy setting in a relatively small space. It attracts a variety of butterflies and birds, and in the fall its leaves turn to red and yellow.