tree

Boxelder*

Acer negundo

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Boxelder (Acer negundo) at Millcreek Nursery Ltd

Boxelder in fall

Boxelder in fall

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Boxelder (Acer negundo) at Millcreek Nursery Ltd

Boxelder in fall

Boxelder in fall

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details

Height:  50 feet

Spread:  45 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  2a

Other Names:  Manitoba Maple

Description:

One of the toughest, most durable and hardiest of all shade trees, capable of growing in the most inhospitable of locations; fast growing, tends to have weak wood and prone to insect troubles, messy, self seeding habit.

Ornamental Features

Boxelder has emerald green deciduous foliage on a tree with a round habit of growth. The compound leaves turn yellow in fall. However, the fruit can be messy in the landscape and may require occasional clean-up.

Landscape Attributes

Boxelder is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This is a high maintenance tree that will require regular care and upkeep, and should only be pruned in summer after the leaves have fully developed, as it may 'bleed' sap if pruned in late winter or early spring. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Messy
  • Invasive
  • Insects
  • Self-Seeding

Boxelder is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Shade
  • Windbreaks and Shelterbelts

Planting & Growing

Boxelder will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 45 feet. It has a high canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America.

 

* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Shade  Windbreak 
Applications
Ornamental Features