Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Compound (specifically pinnately compound, usually with 3 to 7 leaflets; this is a single terminal or lateral leaflet)
Shape
Ovate to lanceolate with an acuminate tip and asymmetric base
Margin
Coarsely serrate and sometimes irregularly lobed
Arrangement
Opposite on the stem
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib and branching lateral veins
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement combined with pinnately compound leaves (usually 3-7 leaflets), asymmetrical leaflet bases, and green twigs often with a whitish bloom.
Description
Acer negundo is a fast-growing, medium-sized deciduous tree with a somewhat irregular and spreading crown. Unlike most maples that possess simple leaves, the boxelder features compound leaves. It produces small greenish flowers in early spring and winged samaras that hang in drooping clusters.
Habitat
Found primarily along streams, rivers, floodplains, and disturbed moist soils, though highly adaptable to dry urban environments
Native Range
Native widely across North America from Canada down through the United States and into parts of Central America