Care of the tree Acer negundo or Boxelder maple |
In the Sapindaceae family the genus Acer is classified, consisting of about 160 species of trees and shrubs from temperate regions of Europe, Asia and North America. Some species are: Acer negundo, Acer campestre, Acer sempervirens, Acer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus, Acer obtusifolium, Acer palmatum. Common names: Box elder, Boxelder maple, Ash-leaved maple, Manitoba maple. This species is native to North America. They are fast growing deciduous trees with a rounded crown that reach 20 meters (65.61 feet) in height. The leaves have leaflets (from 3 to 7) with jagged edges and are usually green but there are yellow, variegated and curly varieties. The flowers have no ornamental interest. They bloom in early spring before the leaves sprout. Boxelder maple is used as isolated specimens, in rows, as wind screens or as shade trees. Acer negundo can be grown in full sun or half shade exposure. They tolerate the Mediterranean summer heat and frost. Ash-leaved maple can be grown in sandy or clayey soils although they prefer that they be well drained and fertile (containing organic matter). Water moderately considering that they resist drought well. In summer, increase watering and reduce it considerably in winter. Fertilize with compost or manure in early spring and make another contribution of the same fertilizer at the end of the same season. It's advisable to do light formation pruning, in late winter, to remove damaged branches or shoots from the base. Box elder is a plant resistant to pests and diseases. Manitoba maple propagates from seeds sown in a seedbed previously soaked for at least 24 hours. Woody cuttings can also be made in spring. |
Images of the tree Acer negundo or Boxelder maple |