Boxelder is a common tree with one of the widest native ranges of any North American maple. It is unique among the Acer (maple) genus for its compound leaves. Boxelder grows fast, reaching 30 to 50 feet tall, and can tolerate tough conditions. It is often found growing along stream banks and drainage ditches, where it offers erosion control. It can also tolerate significant drought, poor soil, full sun to almost full shade, and is hardy to zone 3.
Boxelder provides tremendous wildlife value. There are 285 species of moths and butterflies that depend on box elder to survive their caterpillar stage.
Often growing along forest edges and as an understory tree, boxelder in shade tends to produce multiple twisted trunks. In sun it can produce a more typical straight central trunk and rounded crown. While not a preferred choice for planting in yards or near buildings due to its unusual growth structure and brittle wood, boxelder is an extremely strong choice for erosion control, extending tree cover along forest edges, and planting in poor conditions where other trees wouldn’t thrive.
These seedlings were field-grown from seeds collected in Princeton, NJ.
Sun: Full Sun, Partial Shade
Moisture: Wet to Average
Zones: 3-9
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AK, CA, HI