BOXELDER or

ASHLEAF MAPLE

BOXELDER or Ashleaf Maple (Acer negundo)

Boxelder apparently is not native to Maine, but is largely planted as an ornamental tree throughout the state and has escaped in localized areas near habitation. It was introduced along the St. John River in Aroostook County at an early date. It reaches a maximum height of 50 feet and diameter of about 2 feet in Maine. It is a short-lived, fast growing, brittle tree, very subject to wind and ice damage.

The bark is light gray and smooth on young stems, becoming roughened and shallow-fissured on older trees.

The leaves are opposite, compound, usually 3-7 leaflets per leaf, rarely 9. The leaflets vary greatly in shape, often lobed and unlobed leaflets are found on the same leaf. Leaflets are occasionally divided into individual blades.

The flowers open just before the leaves in the spring and are yellow-green. They have no petals.

The fruit attains mature size in summer, ripening in autumn, consisting of a double winged pair of seeds. Wings are only slightly divergent and the seed body is wrinkled, three times longer than broad.

The twigs are smooth, rather stout, green or maroon in color, and covered with a white, chalky bloom.

The bark yields a pungent odor when bruised.

The wood is light, soft, creamy white, often tinged with green, weak and close-grained. Occasionally it is used for pulp.