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Boxelder Maple Tree
Boxelder Maple Tree
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Acer negundo
Boxelder Maple
The Boxelder Maple is a fast-growing, adaptable native tree valued for its resilience, versatility, and ability to thrive in tough conditions. This bare root variety is one of the few maples with compound leaves and is often chosen for quick shade, wildlife habitat, and erosion control in both urban and rural settings.
Tolerant of drought, flooding, compacted soils, and pollution, the Boxelder is a survivor species that supports biodiversity while offering low-maintenance greenery in areas where other trees may struggle.
Boxelder Maple (Bare Root) Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌱 Variety | Bare Root |
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Acer negundo |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Boxelder, Ash-leaf Maple |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 30–60 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 30–50 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Fast (2–3 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 30–60 years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 2–9 |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade (best growth in full sun) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Moist, dry, or poorly drained; loam, clay, or sandy soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Tolerates a wide range (5.0–8.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Low to moderate; drought- and flood-tolerant |
| 🍃 Foliage Color | Light green (summer); yellow (fall) |
| 🌸 Flower/Berry Production | Clusters of yellow-green flowers; winged samaras |
| 🐝 Wildlife Attraction | Birds, pollinators, small mammals |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Broad, rounded, multi-stemmed or single trunk |
| 🌸 Self-Pollinating? | No – separate male and female trees |
| ↔️ Spacing | 25–40 ft apart depending on canopy size |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Windbreaks, fast shade, wildlife habitat, erosion control |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low to moderate |
Environmental Benefits
🌎 Excels in urban, flood-prone, or disturbed soils
🐝 Attracts early-season pollinators, birds, and wildlife
🌳 Provides fast shade and wind buffering in wide-open areas
🌿 Aids in erosion control and land restoration projects
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| ⚡ Extremely fast-growing for quick shade or screening | 🐛 Susceptible to pests like boxelder bugs if unmanaged |
| 🌿 Thrives in poor, dry, or compacted soils | 🪵 Weak wood can be prone to storm damage |
| 🐦 Provides habitat and food for wildlife | 📏 Can become unruly without occasional pruning |
| 🧱 Excellent for erosion control and restoration sites | 🍁 Fall color is modest compared to other maples |
| 🧊 Cold-hardy down to Zone 2 | 🌬️ May self-seed aggressively in unmanaged areas |
Planting & Care Guide (Bare Root)
🛁 Soak roots 6–12 hours before planting
🕳️ Dig a hole 2× wider than the root spread; plant with crown level to soil
🌾 Mulch with 2–3 inches around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
💦 Water weekly during establishment; reduce after first season
✂️ Prune in winter to remove weak limbs or maintain single-trunk form
🧪 Fertilize in early spring if soil is nutrient-poor
The Boxelder Maple (Bare Root) is a hardy, fast-growing native tree ideal for tough environments, fast results, and wildlife-friendly landscapes. Whether you’re restoring a streambank, adding green to poor soils, or creating shade on a budget, this maple is a resilient, ready-for-anything workhorse.
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