Acer negundo - boxelder, ash-leaf maple

Family: Aceraceae

Range: Very broad and is found throughout the continuous U.S. Varieties of box elder

are also found southward in the mountains of Mexico and to the north in

areas of Ontario Canada.

Habitat: Found in various deciduous forests as an understory tree associated with

dominant trees such as: green ash, narrowleaf cottonwood, plains cottonwood,

quaking aspen and others. This species is able to tolerate a variety of soils but shows a strong preference for well drained aquatic soils.

Origin: Native to North America.

Lifespan: Typically 75 years, with a maximum of 100 years.

Size: Usually 40-50 ft. tall and 1-2 ft. dbh; the maximum being 70

ft. tall and 3 ft. dbh.

Reproduction: Dioecious, reproduces by winged samaras, yet is able to reproduce

asexually when roots are damaged.

Common Uses: Its sap was used by the plains Indians as a source of syrup, and is still

used today but the product is not as sweet as sugar maple syrup. Box elder

is not a desired timber species because its wood is soft, light, close-

grained and low in strength.

Interesting Facts: This is the only maple with divided leaves. Its seeds are a food

source for many species of birds and squirrels and in the fall it provides

browse for mule-deer and white tailed deer. In a few southwest states it is found

as an overstory dominant tree.