The boxelder tree (Acer negundo) is a widely distributed deciduous species native to North America, found in diverse landscapes from urban areas to natural riparian environments. Identifying its distinguishing features helps set it apart from other trees. This article describes the boxelder’s leaves, branches, bark, seeds, and typical habitats.
The Unique Leaves and Branches
The boxelder is notable among maple species for its compound leaves, a feature that distinguishes it from most other maples which typically have simple, palmately lobed leaves. These leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem and usually consist of three to five leaflets, sometimes up to seven on young growth. Each leaflet is elliptic to ovate, with either coarsely toothed or variably lobed margins, and can measure up to four inches long. The foliage typically appears light green, sometimes with a yellowish tint, and turns a dull yellow in the fall.
The twigs and branches of the boxelder offer further identification cues. Young shoots are often smooth and green to purplish-green. These young branches frequently possess a whitish, waxy coating (glaucous bloom) that can be rubbed off. Prominent leaf scars, narrow and nearly encircling the twig, are visible after leaves have dropped. The branches are typically smooth and somewhat brittle.
Bark, Seeds, and Overall Form
The bark of the boxelder changes as the tree matures. On young trees, the bark is typically smooth and light gray to greenish-gray. With increasing age, it becomes deeply furrowed and ridged, developing a grayish-brown hue with interlacing patterns. Unlike many trees, the trunk is rarely straight and often divides close to the ground into several spreading, crooked limbs.
A defining characteristic of the boxelder, visible in autumn and winter, is its distinctive winged seeds, known as samaras. These seeds are V-shaped and paired, hanging in drooping clusters from female trees. They mature in the fall but often persist on the tree into winter, providing a food source for wildlife and aiding identification.
The overall growth habit of the boxelder is often irregular, with a broad, uneven, or sprawling crown. While it grows rapidly, often two feet or more per year in its early stages, it is considered a relatively short-lived tree, typically living for 60 to 75 years, though some may reach 100 years.
Where Boxelders Are Found
Boxelder trees are highly adaptable and thrive in diverse environments across North America, making them the most widely distributed of all native maples. They are frequently found in riparian areas, such as along rivers, streams, and floodplains, where their shallow root systems access abundant moisture. Their tolerance for various soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, contributes to their widespread presence.
Beyond natural settings, boxelders readily colonize disturbed sites, fields, and urban areas. Their fast growth rate and ability to withstand drought and flooding allow them to establish in challenging conditions where other tree species might struggle. The tree’s native range extends from Canada to Honduras, covering most of the contiguous United States. It has also naturalized in parts of Europe, South America, Australia, and Asia due to its hardiness.