Ashleaf Maple

(Negundo aceroides)

Ashleaf Maple (Negundo aceroides)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Negundo aceroides, commonly known as Ashleaf Maple or Boxelder, is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to riparian zones, floodplains, and wetlands as well as dry upland areas across central and eastern North America. It typically reaches a height of 40-50 feet (12-15 meters) and a width of 30-40 feet (9-12 meters), with a rounded to spreading canopy. The tree is notable for its compound leaves, which resemble those of an ash tree, and its variable flower colors, including yellow, green, and pink, which appear in early spring before the leaves. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they are an important early-season source of nectar and pollen for bees. Ashleaf Maple produces winged seeds known as samaras, which mature in the fall.

Ashleaf Maple is valued for its adaptability to a wide range of soil conditions and urban environments, making it a common choice for street trees and reclamation projects. It is also used for quick shade in newly established parks and gardens due to its rapid growth rate. This species prefers full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water with medium drainage. While it is tolerant of poor soils, it thrives in moist, well-drained loamy soils. However, it is susceptible to a number of problems, including boxelder bugs, which can become a nuisance, and various diseases such as verticillium wilt. It is also known for having aggressive surface roots that can damage sidewalks and foundations.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 40-50 feet
  • Width: 30-40 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Green, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to riparian zones, floodplains, wetlands, and dry upland areas across central and eastern North America

Other Names

Common Names: Boxelder , Boxelder Maple , California Boxelder , Manitoba Maple , Western Boxelder , Box Elder , Three-Leaf Maple , Ash-Leaf Maple , Eschen-Ahorn

Scientific Names: Negundo aceroides , Acer negundo subsp. negundo , Negundo fraxinifolium , Acer negundo f. variegatum , Rulac negundo , Acer negundo f. fructu-rubro , Acer negundo f. glabrescens , Negundo negundo , Acer negundo f. flamingo , Acer negundo f. lanceolatum

GBIF Accepted Name: Acer negundo subsp. negundo