Acer Negundo Box Elder Tree

 Acer Negundo Box Elder Tree
The Acer Negundo, commonly called the Box Elder tree, is a type of maple tree. It is exceptionally hardy and tough. Box Elder trees often grow where other trees fail such as in bottomlands and areas that frequently flood. It is native to much of the United States and commonly found growing prolifically along streambanks and around other bodies of water. The Box Elder Tree is a popular, fast growing bushy headed mid to large sized deciduous tree. We sell these specimens as mature trees. 

The foliage of the Acer Negundo features pinnate leaves that have five to nine leaflets. Each leaflet measures up to 10 centimeters in length and 7 centimeters in width. The top sides of the leaves are a bright green and the undersides are a shade lighter. The margins of the leaves are slightly serrated. The new growth shoots of the Box Elder are ornamental and appear a bright, mint green. They often also feature a light white, purple, or pink coating when young. In the early spring, nondescript flowers appear that droop in racemes that measure up to 20 centimeters in length. Following flowering, seeds develop. The seeds are slender samaras that measure about 2 centimeters in length and grow in clusters. Many people think that the clusters of seeds resemble a bunch of keys hanging on a key ring. Only female trees produce the seed clusters. During the autumn months, the seeds provide visual interest until they drop from the tree. The tree's autumn colours are either bright yellow in areas with cold winters or a more bronze-orange in regions with mild winters. 

The Box Elder tree grows rapidly to a height of almost 25 metres with a canopy width of equal proportion which makes it an ideal shade choice. It is also commonly used in shelterbelts or to stabilize flood-prone areas such as along rivers. The diameter of the Acer Negundo’s trunk is relatively slender and rarely exceeds 50 centimeters in diameter. These trees are sold root-balled with a multi-stem shape or form. The several trunks can form a virtually impenetrable barrier when fully grown.

Plant the Box Elder in full sun for best growth. Ideally, it should receive at least six hours of sun or more per day. Although this tree is stalwart and succeeds where very few other trees will survive, it still requires good care to establish a strong root system. It should be planted in an area that provides it with plenty of room to grow to its full potential.

If you are seeking a tenacious tree that adapts to a variety of situations, then look no further than the Acer Negundo. Its rapid growth and ability to tolerate adverse conditions makes it a perfect low maintenance shade tree choice. See also Acer Negundo Kelly's Gold and Acer Negundo Flamingo.