Box Elder (also known as Boxelder Maple, Ash-leaved Maple, Manitoba Maple)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Sapindales, Family: Sapindaceae, Genus: Acer, Species: Acer negundo · Sapindaceae (Maple family) · Compound (pinnately compound, typically with 3 to 7 leaflets), deciduous
Species
Acer negundo
Leaf Type
Compound (pinnately compound, typically with 3 to 7 leaflets), deciduous
Family
Sapindaceae (Maple family)
Shape
Elliptical to ovate leaflets, tapering to a pointed tip
Size
Individual leaflets are approximately 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide; overall compound leaf size is roughly 6-10 inches long
Margin
Coarsely serrate, sometimes shallowly lobed
Arrangement
Opposite
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Vibrant medium to bright green on the upper surface, slightly paler underneath; turns dull yellow in autumn
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with prominent midribs and branching lateral veins on each leaflet
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) to slightly pubescent on the lower surface veins, matte to semi-glossy finish
Description
Acer negundo, commonly known as Box Elder, is a fast-growing, medium-sized deciduous tree distinct among maples for its compound leaves rather than simple lobed ones. It typically features a rounded, often irregular crown, light gray-brown furrowed bark, and produces paired winged samaras (keys) in drooping clusters.
Key Features
Opposite compound leaves with 3 to 7 leaflets (distinguishing it from most other maples), green twigs that often have a whitish waxy bloom, and paired winged seeds
Habitat
Found primarily along streams, riverbanks, floodplains, and disturbed moist soils, though highly adaptable to dry and urban environments
Geographic Range
Native widely across North America from Canada down through the United States and into parts of Central America
Condition Notes
The leaves appear healthy, vibrant green, and well-hydrated with no visible signs of severe insect damage, chlorosis, or fungal infection; overall health grade is Excellent
Interesting Facts
Unlike most maples, Box Elder is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees. It is also one of the few maples that has been tapped for sap to make maple syrup.
Medicinal & Uses
Indigenous peoples used the inner bark and sap for various medicinal purposes, including as a laxative and to treat emetics. The soft wood is occasionally used for crates, boxes (hence the name), and interior pulp, and the tree is sometimes planted for quick shade.
Ecological Role
Provides cover and nesting sites for various birds and small mammals. The seeds are eaten by finches, grosbeaks, and squirrels, and the tree serves as a host plant for numerous insect species.
Similar Species
Can be confused with ashes (Fraxinus) or poison ivy due to the compound leaves; however, ashes have opposite compound leaves with more leaflets, while poison ivy has alternate compound leaves of three leaflets.
Foraging Tips
Look for opposite branching patterns and compound leaves with 3-5 leaflets near water sources, disturbed fields, or forest edges. Best identified during the growing season by its bright green foliage.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans, though the seeds can be mildly toxic to horses if ingested in large quantities causing seasonal box elder myopathy