Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Pinnately compound, deciduous, typically with 3 to 7 leaflets
Shape
Ovate to lanceolate leaflets with coarsely serrate, lobed, or irregularly toothed margins
Margin
Coarsely serrate, occasionally lobed or deeply toothed, particularly on terminal leaflets
Arrangement
Opposite arrangement along the twigs, which is a hallmark of the Acer (maple) genus
Venation
Pinnate venation with prominent raised midribs and branching lateral veins on each leaflet
Key Features
Pinnately compound leaves with 3-7 leaflets, opposite leaf arrangement (unique for a compound-leaved North American tree alongside ashes, which have opposite compound leaves but different twig features), green twigs often with a whitish bloom, and winged samaras in pairs
Description
Acer negundo is a fast-growing, medium-sized deciduous tree reaching heights of 30-50 feet with a spreading, often irregular crown. Unlike most other maples which feature simple leaves, boxelder is distinctive for its compound leaves. It produces small, drooping clusters of greenish-yellow flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, followed by paired winged samaras that persist into winter.
Habitat
Thrives in moist soils, along riverbanks, floodplains, disturbed areas, and forest edges; highly adaptable to various soil types and moisture levels
Native Range
Native to a wide swath of North America from the East Coast across the Great Plains and into parts of the West, and extending into Central America