|
|
Box Elder
(Acer negundo )
The Box Elder Maple tree, 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. Boxelder 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. |
|