Boxelder (Acer negundo)

Also Known As: Ash-leaf maple, California boxelder, Western boxelder, Manitoba maple
Plant Family: Maple (Aceraceae)

Identification Guide: *Print version
Phenophase Field Guide: *Print version

2009 Live Map - View

Did you Know? Boxelder has decreased in its native range because of clearing of bottomland forest for agriculture, but they have greatly increased in urban areas. The success of the species on disturbed urban sites is due to its prolific seed production and wide dispersal, ease of germination, tolerance of low oxygen conditions, and fast growth on clay or heavy fill. Boxelder also is found as a pioneer species on disturbed upland sites where a seed source is nearby. Boxelder trees are either male or female, although occasionally you may find a bisexual flower that has both anthers (male) and a stigma (female). No individual tree produces both pollen and seeds.

Identification Hints: Boxelder is unusual among maples in that it has compound leaves. Seedling and young saplings of Boxelder have a remarkable resemblance to poison ivy – so be careful!

Phenological Observations of Interest: First Pollen, Full Pollen, End of Pollen, First Leaf, All Leaves Unfolded, First Ripe Fruit, 50% Color, 50% Leaf Fall

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2009 Live Map for Boxelder

Below you can view the latest 100 observations that have been reported in 2009 for Boxelder (If the map below is empty then there have not been any 2009 observations reported.)

Use the navigation buttons on the left to zoom in/out and pan around. Click on each place marker to get detail information about that observation.

= First Pollen
= Full Pollen
= End of Pollen
= First Leaf
= All Leaves Unfolded
= First Ripe Fruit
= 50% Color
= 50% Leaf Fall

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