boxelder - acer negundo

Common Name: boxelder

Scientific Name: 
Family: Sapindaceae
Genus: Acer
Species: negundo

Hardiness Zone: 2 to 10
Height: 30 to 50 ft
Width: 30 to 50 ft

Description:​ The boxelder can be found anywhere in Minnesota if you look hard enough. These trees are survivors, they will tolerate the poorest conditions that the urban environment can throw at them. Unfortunately, they have weak wood and are prone to decay easily. Native to river banks and lake sides but as said before will tolerate most conditions. These trees don't tend to live very long and are mostly seen as a nuisance. On a side note, there are some cultivars available that do exhibit some nice characteristics. If there is an unusually hard spot to get any other tree established, one of these may be a good choice.​