Box Elder

Acer negundo
Sapindaceae
Acer negundo leaf JB
Acer negundo bark MJP
Acer negundo form MJP
Acer negundo leaf seed CEH
The only native maple with compound leaves. Useful for erosion control and as windbreak. Surface roots, frequent limb breakage, decay, and boxelder bugs make this tree a poor planting choice near structures.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Fair
Wildlife Benefits
Early source of nectar; moth/butterfly host; preferred by Evening Grosbeaks; bat roosting site
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
2 to 10
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
273
Bloom Time
Spring (Apr-May)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun: Receives 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Growth Rate
Rapid: 2 ft or greater per year
Soil Type
Clay: Small sized particles. Long moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Sand: Large/coarse particles. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Silt: Medium sized particles. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist: Soil can remain damp and does not normally retain standing water
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Medium; Heart rot, bark canker, anthracnose
Urban Stress Tolerance
High: Tree can adapt to a variety of urban conditions and will grow well
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
3
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Occasional
  • Oak Mixed: Occasional
  • Alluvial: Abundant
  • Red Maple Mixed: Occasional
  • Ruderal: Occasional
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
Bloom Color
Brown
Green
Yellow
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Short: Less than 100 years
Soil pH
Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Wetland Indicator Status
FAC: Facultative, occurs in wetlands and non-wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Tolerant: Tolerant to both aerial salt spray and salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern

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