Box Elder Maple , Acer negundo, is also commonly known as ashleaf maple, Manitoba maple, box-elder maple, and western box-elder. This deciduous maple tree is a small-to-medium-sized tree, reaching heights of 50 to 75 feet, with a trunk diameter up to 4 feet. The trunk is relatively short and tapering, and the crown is spreading and bushy. It has a thick trunk and upright branching habit, but is more often seen as a smaller tree with cane-like, bright green branches.
Box Elder trees are fast growing and tolerate poor conditions. These shade trees have brittle wood. Box Elder bugs eat seeds on female trees. Although it grows best on moist soils, Box Elder is drought and cold resistant. It can also tolerate flooding for extended periods (up to a month). The seeds are a source of food for birds and mammals, and are important because they stay on the tree through winter, when other food resources are scarce.
Box Elder trees are fast growing and tolerate poor conditions. These shade trees have brittle wood. Box Elder bugs eat seeds on female trees. Although it grows best on moist soils, Box Elder is drought and cold resistant. It can also tolerate flooding for extended periods (up to a month). The seeds are a source of food for birds and mammals, and are important because they stay on the tree through winter, when other food resources are scarce.