Box elder
Acer negundo · Sapindaceae
📷 Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around box elder and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Acer negundo
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Type
- Deciduous tree
- Adult height
- 10 to 12 meters
- Flowering
- May to June
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -25°C)
- Growth
- Fast
- Origin
- North America
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Box elder grows very fast but tolerates compacted soils poorly: loosen the soil deeply at planting. Don't overwater it (moderate watering is enough), it loves somewhat continental regions and dreads waterlogged conditions.
The common mistake
Planting it in clay or poorly drained soil: it rots at the collar or slowly declines from root asphyxia.
The pro's trick
Prune it hard once established (4-5 years) to densify the canopy; without this intervention, it stays sparse.
Care
Sunlight
Box Elder thrives in full sun, which is the ideal condition for dense and colorful foliage. However, it tolerates partial shade, although its growth will be slightly less vigorous. Avoid overly windy locations that can damage its flexible branches.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to encourage root establishment. Once established, this tree tolerates dry periods well thanks to its deep root system, but appreciates fresh soil in summer. During prolonged droughts, keep the soil moist without creating waterlogging.
Soil
Box Elder adapts to most soils, even poor or compacted ones. It tolerates chalky terrain and slightly acidic soils very well. However, ensure proper drainage to prevent root suffocation in winter.
Pruning and training
Prune lightly in late winter to maintain a harmonious shape and remove dead or crossing branches. This fast-growing tree can be cut back every 2-3 years if you seek denser branching. Avoid severe pruning that would weaken its structure.
Fertilizing
Fertilizer is generally not necessary in correct soil. In poor soil, an application of compost or balanced fertilizer in spring will boost vigor. For young plants, moderate fertilization accelerates establishment.
Pests and diseases
This tree is generally robust, but watch for powdery mildew (oïdium) during humid summers. Aphids may occasionally infest young shoots. Good aeration and watering at the base limit these problems. Specific treatment is generally not necessary.
Did you know?
Box Elder originates from wetlands and riparian zones of North America, where it naturally colonizes riverbanks. Introduced to Europe in the 17th century, it has adapted so well that it is now naturalized in many temperate countries, notably along roadsides and wastelands. Its winged seeds, called samaras, are dispersed by wind with remarkable efficiency, which explains its strong capacity for propagation.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Japanese mapleAcer palmatum
- Sycamore mapleAcer pseudoplatanus
- Norway mapleAcer platanoides
- Field mapleAcer campestre
- Marronnier dindeAesculus hippocastanum
- Silver mapleAcer saccharinum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.