Box Elder, Boxelder Maple, Ash-leaved Maple
Acer negundo · Sapindaceae (Soapberry family, formerly Aceraceae)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Compound (pinnately compound, typically with 3 to 7 leaflets), deciduous
Shape
Elliptical to ovate leaflets with asymmetrical bases
Margin
Coarsely serrate, lobed, or irregularly toothed
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Pinnate venation with prominent midribs on each leaflet
Key Features
Opposite branching combined with pinnately compound leaves having 3-7 leaflets distinguishes this maple from almost all other native North American maples.
Description
Acer negundo is a fast-growing, medium-sized deciduous tree known for being the only North American maple with pinnately compound leaves. It produces paired, winged samaras and features light gray-brown ridged bark.
Habitat
Riparian zones, along streams, floodplains, and disturbed moist soils, highly adaptable to various moisture and sun conditions
Native Range
Native to North America, widespread across the United States and parts of Canada, introduced and invasive in parts of Europe and South America