How to Grow and Care for Box elder

Box elder, also known as Boxelder maple, Ash-leaved maple, Maple ash, Manitoba maple

Box elder is known for its adaptability and ease of care, thriving in various soil conditions and tolerating both wet and dry environments. Special care points include the ability to withstand urban pollution and the need to manage its rapid growth through regular pruning. This species can be an aggressive self-seeder, which might require gardeners to remove unwanted saplings periodically.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

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Planting and Growing Box elder

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil pH	6-8
Planting Time	Spring, Early summer, Fall, Early winter
Hardiness Zones	2-10

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Varieties of Box elder

Box elder 'Flamingo'

Box elder 'Flamingo' differs from the Box elder (Acer negundo) and its other cultivars in the coloring of its leaves, which are variegated with pinkish margins. When young, these leaves are completely cream pink, hence the name "Flamingo." This coloration eventually becomes very pale, but they still tend to keep their pinkish hue.

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More General Info About Box elder

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Quickly Identify Box elder

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Box elder is a medium-sized, deciduous tree reaching 30-50 feet (9-15 meters) in height, often with a canopy spread equal to its height. Its hallmark feature is the opposite, odd-pinnately compound leaves with 3-5 leaflets, which are unusual among maples. These leaflets are roughly 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, presenting with lobed and serrated margins, and are noteworthy for their bright green coloration. The plant exhibits dimorphism, with separate male and female trees, and is known for fast growth, which results in weak, brittle wood.