Little Gem' came originally from witches broom, which are often seen on the native trees. Monroe' has deeply dissected leaves, adding additional interest. To keep the characteristic of these cultivars, they may be rooted as semihardwood cuttings under mist or grafted onto seedling native rootstocks. There is some variation in fall color, everything from brown to yellow, orange or red. As with most fall-coloring shrubs it is best to select the specific plant in the fall to ensure the best fall color.
Trees grown in poorer sites also seem to color less and usually earlier.
It is not often that a native plant proves to be so versatile, but the vine maple is certainly a plant that should be considered for many sites. Flowers are showy, with wine-colored sepals and white petals borne on clusters of six to 20 flowers. Often forms thickets in a deep forest where branches root in moist soil. Easily propagated by seed, rooting semihardwood cuttings and grafting.