box elder

Also known as: ash-leaved maple

A medium-sized, bushy-headed, deciduous tree. Young shoots are a purple colour and are covered in a white bloom. Leaves, comprised of 5-7 leaflets, emerge bronze-green becoming greener as they mature. In spring, male plants bear prominent pink-purple, tassel-like flowers

box elder

Scientific classification

Species
box elder (Acer negundo var. violaceum)
Genus
Acer
Family
Sapindaceae
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Trees
Plant type
8-12 metres
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
Deciduous
Foliage
Columnar upright
Habit
Autumn · Spring · Summer
Season of interest
Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight
Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

box elder pictures

box elder

Distribution of box elder

Distribution map

Plant distribution
  • Native
  • Introduced
  • Cultivated

Source:WCVP v16 · Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew · CC BY 3.0 · Boundaries:WGSRPD / TDWG

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Information to be completed

Quick identification of box elder

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box elder care guide

Deep watering during drought, reduce water when temperature drops
Watering
Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight
Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Deep watering during drought, reduce water when temperature drops

Fertilizing

Deciduous tree granular feed applied once yearly at early spring

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.

Propagation

Propagate by seed or grafting

Growing

Grow in a moist but well-drained soil

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Common pests and diseases

Diseases

May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus

Pests

May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale

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