Box Elder (Acer negundo) AY-sir ne-GOON-doe |
|
| Other Names | Ash-leaved maple, maple ash, Sugar Ash, Black Ash |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Description | |
| Named Cultivars | Acer negundo 'Auratum', Acer negundo 'Aureomarginatum', Acer negundo 'Baron', Acer negundo 'Rubescens', Acer negundo 'Sensation', Acer negundo 'Variegata', Acer negundo 'Violaceum' |
 | |
| Plant Data | |
| I am a... | Deciduous Perennial Tree |
| Where to Find It | There are mature Box Elder at the west and east edges of the woods, as well as seedlings growing elsewhere. Because the area has been partly cleared, it's easiest to see Box Elder from the easternmost path near Crow Island School. |
| How to Recognize It | The Box Elder is actually a maple tree, but its leaves are pinnately compound like an Ash... a feature recognized in several common names (like "Ash Maple", "Sugar Ash" and "Black Ash") for it. In less than full sun, trees can be strongly non-vertical as the tree grows towards sunlight. In the spring, the pollen-bearing male flowers look like bundles of delicate tassels. The paired samaras (seeds) develop the typical "Maple helicopter" shape. |
| Why to Like | This midwest native is very tolerant of the sometimes wet soils we have here in Crow Island Woods. It's not especially ornamental, though Box Elder trunks tend to be interestingly crooked under shady conditions, as they try to grow toward the light. The samaras are often eaten by birds, squirrels, and other animals. Con: The tree is prolific with its seeds! |
| Mature Size | 30 - 80 feet tall. 30 - 80 feet wide. |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun - Full Sun |
| Moisture Tolerance | - Wet: |
| Zones | 2a - 10b |
| Tags | Wet Site Tolerant |
| Bloom Period | March to April |
| Flower Color | Greenish-Yellow |
| Foliage Color |
|
| Animals That Use It |
Buds: Seeds: |
| Data Sheets | |
| |
|
More Photos: Google Image Search & Flickr |
|
|
|
