Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Pinnately compound (typically trifoliate with 3 leaflets, occasionally 5 or 7), deciduous
Shape
Ovate to elliptical leaflets with an acuminate tip; leaflets can be entire, coarsely toothed, or lobed
Margin
Coarsely serrate and irregularly lobed
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib and raised secondary veins creating a reticulated net-like pattern
Description
Acer negundo, commonly known as the boxelder, is a fast-growing, medium-sized deciduous tree known for being one of the few maples with compound leaves rather than simple ones. It features pale gray-brown furrowed bark, greenish twigs often covered in a whitish bloom, small drooping clusters of greenish-yellow flowers in spring, and paired winged samaras (keys) that persist into winter.
Habitat
Found primarily along streams, rivers, floodplains, and disturbed moist soils, though highly adaptable to urban environments and drier sites
Native Range
Native to North America, widely distributed across the United States and Canada, and introduced globally as an invasive or ornamental tree