Acer negundo SEEDS

Acer negundo, commonly known as the boxelder, is a deciduous tree native to North America. It is a versatile and resilient tree with distinctive characteristics. Here's a brief description of Acer negundo:

Appearance: The boxelder is a relatively small to medium-sized tree, typically reaching heights of 9 to 15 meters (30 to 50 feet). It has an open and spreading canopy with pinnately compound leaves consisting of three to seven leaflets. These leaflets are typically light green in color and turn yellow in the fall. The tree produces clusters of small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers in the spring, followed by winged seeds (samaras).

Cultivation: Boxelder is highly adaptable and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. It is also known for its tolerance of wet or poorly drained soils, making it suitable for riparian areas and locations with occasional flooding. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Uses: While not as widely planted for ornamental purposes as some other maples, boxelder is sometimes used as a shade tree in urban areas due to its tolerance of adverse conditions. It is also valued for its ability to provide quick shade and can be used for windbreaks and erosion control.

Wildlife Value: Boxelder serves as a habitat and food source for various wildlife, including birds that feed on its seeds and insects that visit its flowers.

Note: Boxelder is considered a weedy species and can self-seed readily. In some regions, it is regarded as invasive and can compete with native vegetation.

In summary, Acer negundo, or the boxelder, is a North American deciduous tree with distinctive pinnately compound leaves and adaptability to a range of environmental conditions. While it may not be as celebrated as some other maple species, it plays a role in providing quick shade and supporting wildlife in various ecosystems.