Southern Utah University

Table of Contents

Locations

  1. Campus Features

    1. Tree Tour

      1. Boxelder (Acer negundo)

        Latin Name - Acer negundo
        Height - 40-50 feet
        Spread - 35-40 feet
        Growth Rate - Fast
        USDA Zone - 3-8
        Drought Tolerance - High

        Boxelder is common in moist areas along rivers and streams and is widespread throughout Canada and the United States. An actual maple species with atypical leaves, it is considered an inferior shade tree due to weak wood, poor structure, ragged appearance, irregular outline, pest attraction, the list goes on. Who would plant a boxelder? Actually this tree can be found in nurseries in variegated form ('Flamingo') and as an improved cultivar with outstanding red fall color ('Sensation'). Boxelder shades many a cow pasture and streambank and is quite drought tolerant once established.