Boxelder
Acer negundo
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Description
Boxelder (Acer negundo) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree native to North America, commonly found in riparian zones and floodplains. It plays a crucial role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture as a pioneer species, helping to stabilize soil and improve conditions for successional species. In food forests, Boxelder serves as a canopy layer, providing shade and acting as a nurse tree for more sensitive understory plants. It is particularly valued for its ability to thrive in disturbed areas, making it ideal for ecological restoration projects. Historically, Native American tribes utilized Boxelder for various purposes, including crafting tools and making syrup from its sap. Its seeds and foliage attract a variety of wildlife, supporting biodiversity and enhancing ecosystem functions.
Growing Details
Boxelder is easy to propagate from seeds, which should be sown in the fall or stratified before spring planting. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as elderberry and wildflowers can enhance biodiversity and attract beneficial insects. Avoid planting in areas prone to waterlogging. Harvest sap in late winter to early spring when temperatures fluctuate above and
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Fire Wood
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Invasive
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Sweetener
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Acer negundo</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to North America, commonly found in th
applicable geo region: North America
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of April for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of September for 60 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of October
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(2/5)
edible uses: The sap of Boxelder can be tapped in late winter to early spring and boiled down to produce a sweet syrup. Although less sweet than sugar maple syrup, it can be a valuable local sweetener. The process is labor-intensive, requiring a significant amount of sap to produce a small quantity of syrup.
Medicinal Rating:
(1/5)
medicinal uses: Various parts of the Boxelder tree have been used in traditional medicine by Native American tribes. The inner bark was sometimes used to treat colds and rheumatism, although these uses should be approached with caution and further research.
health concerns: Boxelder seeds and foliage can be toxic to livestock if consumed in large quantities due to the presence of cyanogenic compounds.
other uses: Boxelder wood is lightweight and used for making crates, boxes, and pulpwood. It can also be used as firewood, although it burns quickly and is not as dense as other hardwoods.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Acer negundo
common names: Boxelder; Manitoba Maple; Ash-leaved Maple
family: Sapindaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Acer
Growing Conditions
area needed: 10.0 m
spacing: 5.0 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / -30ยฐC / 40ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:
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(4/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 60 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 15.0 m
max width: 10.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Monoecious
growth details: Boxelder is easy to propagate from seeds, which should be sown in the fall or stratified before spring planting. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as elderberry and wildflowers can enhance biodiversity and attract beneficial insects. Avoid planting in areas prone to waterlogging. Harvest sap in late winter to early spring when temperatures fluctuate above and
Potential Disturbances: Boxelder bugs are a common pest, feeding on the seeds and foliage. To manage them, encourage beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings. Planting marigolds and nasturtiums nearby can help repel these pests. Neem oil can be used as an organic spray to control infestations.
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