Boxelder

Scientific Name: Acer negundo

Plant Family: Sapindaceae (Soapberry family)

Native Region: North America, extending from Canada to Guatemala.

Boxelder

Brief Description

A fast-growing, deciduous tree known for being the only North American maple with compound leaves. It features light green leaflets and characteristic winged seeds (samaras).

Care Instructions

Low maintenance. Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-draining soil. Does not require frequent fertilization and can tolerate various urban conditions.

Medicinal Value

We do not currently provide medicinal value for plant identifications.

Sunlight

Full sun to partial shade (typically 4 to 6+ hours of sunlight per day).

Watering

Moderate; prefers moist soil but is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Thrives near water sources.

Soil

Adaptable to various soils (clay, loam, sand) but prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).

Hardiness Zone

USDA zones 2 to 9.

Growth Habit

Perennial tree; fast growth rate; typically reaches 30-50 feet tall and wide with a broad, rounded crown.

Bloom Season

Spring (March to April); flowers are small, yellow-green, and lack petals, appearing before or with the leaves.

Toxicity

Generally non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats; however, the seeds contain hypoglycin A, which is toxic to horses if ingested in large quantities.

Propagation

Primarily by seed (samaras) in autumn, or through softwood cuttings and hardwood cuttings.

Common Pests & Issues

Boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) are very common pests. Susceptible to leaf spot, canker, and powdery mildew.

Similar Species

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) often confused due to three leaflets, but Boxelder is a tree with opposite branching, while Poison Ivy is a vine or shrub with alternate branching. Also resembles Ash trees (Fraxinus species).

Interesting Facts

It is often called 'Ash-leaf Maple' because its compound leaves resemble those of an ash tree. Despite its brittle wood, it was widely planted as a windbreak on the Great Plains.

Created At: 2026-05-20T15:27:42.654881