Maine Tree
Species Fact Sheet
Common
Name:
Boxelder
(Ashleaf Maple)
Botanical
Name: Acer negundo
Tree
Type: Deciduous
Physical Description:
Growth Habit:
Boxelder is a short-lived, fast growing brittle tree that is very prone
to ice and wind damage. Although boxelder is most commonly found on
moist soil, it is drought and cold tolerant and is frequently used in
windbreaks. Boxelder usually develops a shallow, fibrous root system.
The leaves are opposite and compound, with 3-7 leaflets per leaf. The
leaves vary greatly in shape, often lobed and un-lobed leaflets are
found on the same leaf. They are bright green above and lighter green
beneath. The stems are green to reddish brown, often covered with a
waxy whitish bloom that can be rubbed off. The leaf scars encircle the
stem and meet at a sharp angle. The bark is gray-brown in color,
slightly ridged and furrowed and has a pungent odor when bruised.
Height:
Boxelder reaches a maximum height of 50 feet and has a trunk diameter of
2 feet.
Shape:
Boxelder is usually rounded to broad-rounded in outline. Branches
develop irregularly to support the uneven crown. It is often a small
“alley cat” tree with a multi-stemmed character and ragged appearance.
Fruit/Seed
Description/Dispersal Methods:
Boxelder is
dioecious with imperfect flowers. The flowers are yellowish green and
appear from March to April. Male flowers are born in corymbs and female
flowers are in slender pendulous racemes and usually in great quantity.
The fruit is a 1-1 ½ inch yellowish green samara with a 60 degree
angle. It matures in September or October and persists into winter.
The tree begins producing seeds when it is 8-11 years old.
Range within
Maine:
Boxelder is not
native to Maine; it was introduced along the Saint John River in
Aroostook County and is largely planted as an ornamental tree throughout
the state. This tree is hardy to Zone 3.
Distinguishing
Features:
The twigs of the
bxelder are covered with a white, chalky bloom and the bark yields a
pungent odor when bruised.
Interesting
Features:
The sap of the
boxelder has been used to a limited extent for syrup.
The wood is light,
soft, creamy white and often tinged with green. It is weak and
close-grained and is occasionally used for pulp.
Relationship to
Wildlife:
Many species of
birds and animals use the seeds and other portions of the tree for food.
Landscape Use:
Extensive use in
the landscape is limited due to the Boxelder’s lack of ornamental
assets. It has a ragged appearance, is very prone to wind and ice
damage and is short-lived.
Common Problems
or Pests of the Tree in Maine:
Verticillium wilt
is the only notable killing disease of boxelder. It is also susceptible
to root rots, and cankers. The boxelder aphid, boxelder gall midge and
the boxelder bug are a problem for this tree. The orange and black
boxelder bug, Leptocoris (Boisea) trivittatus, is one of
the most common household pests in the United States and is usually
found wherever boxelders are grown. The adults emit a foul odor, stain
fabric and may cause severe asthmatic reactions. A number of
leaf-feeding and scale insects and borers, also attack this species.
References:
Forest Trees of
Maine, Twelfth Edition.
Maine Forest Service/Department of Conservation. 1995.
Know Your Trees.
Cope, J.A. and Fred E. Winch,
Jr. Cornell Cooperative Extension. 1992.
Manual of Woody
Landscape Plants, 5th Edition.
Dirr, Michael A. Publishing L.L.C.
1998.
United States Dept. of Agriculture: Silvics of North America
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/acer/negundo.htm
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