Boxelder: most commonly found on river floodplains

Boxelder, also known as Acer negundo, is a native maple tree that grows quickly. It is found across Minnesota, except in the far northeast corner. This tree is common along river floodplains, lakeshores, and streams. It also grows in young hardwood forests.

Boxelder can grow in many types of soil and spreads quickly. It often appears in fence rows, abandoned fields, and empty urban lots. Its yellow-green flowers add some color in spring. Yet, it is not a popular tree because it does not have much ornamental value.

The leaves are made up of three green leaflets. In summer, the leaves have 3 to 7 leaflets. The tree produces brownish seeds in clusters hanging from branches. In fall, seeds are shed. The yellow-green flowers are thread-like and appear in spring. Male flowers are also present.

Boxelder trees are deciduous, losing their leaves in fall. They can reach a height of 35 to 60 feet and have a similar spread. The shape of the tree is rounded or irregular. Leaves appear from mid-April to late May and are 3 to 7 inches long. They are opposite each other and consist of 3 to 7 leaflets. It is the only native maple with a compound leaf.

Flowers grow in mid to late spring, producing yellow-green flowers that are wind-pollinated. The female trees produce winged nutlets, or samaras, which ripen from August to September. These fruits fall in autumn and winter. They grow into seedlings in spring and can become weeds if left unchecked.

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