Boxelder trees (Acer negundo), also known as Manitoba maple or ash-leaved maple, are fast-growing, deciduous trees native to North America. They belong to the maple family but are distinct from sugar or red maples, often considered less “refined” due to their weedy nature. Boxelders thrive in a variety of environments, from riverbanks to urban lots, tolerating poor soils, drought, and flooding. Their adaptability makes them a common sight, though they’re often viewed as undesirable due to their brittle wood and short lifespan, typically 60-75 years.
The tree’s appearance is unremarkable but functional. Boxelders have compound leaves with three to seven leaflets, resembling poison ivy, which can cause confusion. Their bark is grayish-brown, becoming furrowed with age, and their branches are often weak, prone to breaking in storms. They produce winged seeds called samaras, which spin as they fall, aiding dispersal. These seeds are prolific, contributing to the tree’s invasive tendencies in some areas.
Boxelders are dioecious, meaning individual trees are either male or female. Female trees produce seeds, while males produce pollen, which can be a significant allergen. Flowering occurs in early spring, with small, yellowish-green flowers that are wind-pollinated. The trees’ rapid growth—often 2-3 feet per year—makes them appealing for quick shade but problematic for long-term landscaping due to their messiness and structural weaknesses.
Ecologically, boxelders play a mixed role. They provide habitat and food for birds, squirrels, and insects, with seeds serving as a winter food source. However, their aggressive growth can crowd out native species, particularly in disturbed areas. Boxelder bugs, small red-and-black insects, are closely associated with the tree, feeding on its seeds and occasionally becoming a nuisance when they invade homes in large numbers.
In urban settings, boxelders are a double-edged sword. Their tolerance for harsh conditions, like compacted soil or pollution, makes them a go-to for city planting, but their weak wood and tendency to drop branches pose risks. They’re often removed in favor of sturdier species. Still, their ability to grow almost anywhere ensures they remain a common sight in neglected lots or along fence lines.
Historically, boxelders had practical uses. Native Americans used the wood for tools and the sap for a sweet syrup, though it’s less palatable than sugar maple sap. Today, the wood is rarely used commercially due to its low quality, though it’s occasionally burned as firewood. The tree’s fast growth and low maintenance make it a candidate for biomass production in some regions.
Despite their flaws, boxelders have a certain resilience that commands respect. They’re survivors, thriving where other trees might fail, and their ecological niche—filling gaps in disturbed landscapes—ensures their persistence. While not a favorite in manicured gardens, they serve as a reminder of nature’s ability to adapt and endure in less-than-ideal conditions.
Species of Boxelder Trees (Acer negundo)
Acer negundo var. negundo (Common Boxelder)
This is the typical or wild form of the species, found widely across North America. It has compound leaves with 3–7 leaflets and is known for its fast growth and ability to colonize disturbed areas. Often found in river valleys and open woodlands, this variety is typically green-leaved and highly adaptable.
Acer negundo var. californicum (California Boxelder)
Native to California and parts of the southwestern U.S., this variety is well-suited to warmer, drier climates. It often has fewer leaflets per leaf (usually 3) and a more drought-tolerant nature. Its bark and twigs may have a slightly smoother texture, and it tends to grow in riparian areas in arid landscapes.
Acer negundo var. texanum (Texas Boxelder)
Found primarily in Texas and adjacent states, this regional variety is adapted to hot, dry conditions and alkaline soils. It tends to be shorter and more shrubby than the typical Boxelder, making it useful in windbreaks or naturalized plantings in tough climates.
Acer negundo ‘Variegatum’ (Variegated Boxelder)
This ornamental cultivar features green leaves with white or cream-colored margins, adding visual interest to landscapes. It is used in gardens and urban settings but is less vigorous than the wild type. It requires some protection from full sun and wind, which can scorch its variegated leaves.
Acer negundo ‘Flamingo’
A showy ornamental cultivar with pink-tinted young foliage that matures to a soft green-and-white variegation. ‘Flamingo’ is popular for its decorative appeal and is typically kept pruned to maintain a smaller, more compact shape. It requires regular watering and care in hot climates.
Acer negundo ‘Sensation’
This cultivar is prized for its improved structure and bright red-orange fall color, which is uncommon in most Boxelders. It also produces less seed, making it less messy and more suitable for urban landscaping. ‘Sensation’ has a more upright form and denser canopy compared to the wild type.
Acer negundo ‘Auratum’
This cultivar is noted for its yellowish-green foliage, which gives the tree a golden hue throughout the growing season. It may be used for contrast planting in mixed borders or for adding brightness to shaded gardens. Like most ornamental boxelders, it benefits from regular maintenance.
Acer negundo ‘Kelly’s Gold’
‘Kelly’s Gold’ is an ornamental cultivar with bright golden-yellow foliage, especially vibrant in spring. It adds colorful contrast to landscapes but is less hardy than the species and may require partial shade in hot regions to prevent leaf scorch.
Acer negundo ‘Baron’
‘Baron’ is a male cultivar, meaning it does not produce seeds, which eliminates the nuisance of volunteer seedlings and messy samaras. It has an upright form, cleaner appearance, and is favored for urban planting where minimal litter is desired.
Acer negundo ‘Aurora’
This rare cultivar features lightly variegated foliage with silver tones. ‘Aurora’ is primarily used in ornamental gardens, though it requires well-drained soil and may not tolerate extreme conditions as well as wild-type Boxelders.