Acer negundo

Acer negundo

Acer negundo leaves

Acer negundo, commonly known as the boxelder, is a species of maple native to North America. It is a fast-growing and short-lived tree that is often found in riparian zones and other moist environments.

Description

Acer negundo is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows to 10–25 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of 30–50 cm. The bark is pale gray or light brown, often with a rough texture. The leaves are compound and opposite, with 3 to 7 leaflets that are 5–10 cm long and 3–7 cm wide. The leaflets are coarsely toothed and can be bright green to yellow-green in color.

Female flowers of Acer negundo

Flowers and Fruit

Acer negundo is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. The flowers are small and appear in early spring before the leaves. Male flowers are in drooping clusters, while female flowers are in racemes. The fruit is a paired samara, commonly known as a "helicopter" or "whirlybird," which matures in late summer.

Habitat and Distribution

Acer negundo is widely distributed across North America, from the eastern United States to the western provinces of Canada. It is commonly found in floodplains, riverbanks, and other areas with moist soil. The tree is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and conditions, which contributes to its widespread distribution.

Uses

The wood of Acer negundo is light and soft, making it less desirable for commercial timber. However, it is sometimes used for low-grade furniture, boxes, and crates. The tree is also planted as an ornamental due to its rapid growth and adaptability.

Acer negundo in a natural setting

Pests and Diseases

Acer negundo is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. One common pest is the boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata), which feeds on the seeds and leaves of the tree. The tree can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and verticillium wilt.

Varieties and Cultivars

Several varieties and cultivars of Acer negundo have been developed, including:

• Acer negundo var. californicum - California boxelder
• Acer negundo var. interius - Interior boxelder
• Acer negundo 'Variegatum' - A cultivar with variegated leaves

Related pages

• Maple
• Riparian zone
• Dioecious plant
• Samara (fruit)

Gallery

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  Acer negundo in Bulgaria

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  Close-up of Acer negundo leaves

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  Boxelder bugs on Acer negundo

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  Variegated leaves of Acer negundo 'Variegatum'

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  Heartwood of Acer negundo

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  Acer negundo

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  Acer negundo female flowers

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  Acer negundo

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  Acer negundo

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  Acer negundo

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  Boxelder bugs on Acer negundo

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  Acer negundo Variegatum detail

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  Heartwood of Acer negundo