Acer negundoIndiana Native
Boxelder

Family:

Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family) 81

Genus:

Acer (Maple, Boxelder) 69

Plant Type:

Tree 562

Growth Forms:

Upright 541

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 3 221

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 798

Flower Notes:

Green (Yellowish-green flowers in spring; not ornamentally important)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Bright green foliage in summer); Yellow (Greenish-yellow to brown fall color; not ornamentally important)

Stem Notes:

Green (Green to reddish brown, glabrous, malodorous when bruised)

Fruit Notes:

Brown (Begin yellowish-green; profuse; not ornamentally important)

Ultimate Height:

30-50 feet

Ultimate Spread:

30-50 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Extrememly tolerant of different soils

Range:

North America

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves trifoliate (sometimes with 5 leaflets), opposite, simple, 2-4" long, coarsely-serrate, and lighter green; slightly pubescent beneath. Buds have greenish or reddish scales. Stems greenish to reddish brown.

Ecological Functions:

Special Characteristics:

Tolerant of Poor Site Conditions 186

Additional Information

Invasive. Very rough in its appearance due to pinnately compound, coarsely serrate leaves paired with a multi-stemmed, irregular habit. Leaves of young specimens may commonly be mistaken for poison ivy. This tree has limited ornamental value in the landscape and is short lived but also extremely tolerant of site conditions. Wherever this species is grown, expect to encounter boxelder bugs (Leptocoris trivittatus). This common pest feeds on the sap of boxelders and maples and is harmless to humans.