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{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = ''Acer negundo''
| status = {{StatusSecure}}
| image = Acnegundo.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Sapindales]]
| familia = [[Aceraceae]]
| genus = ''[[Maple|Acer]]''
| species = '''''A. negundo'''''
| binomial = ''Acer negundo''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus]]
| range_map = Acer negundo range.PNG
| range_map_width = 240px
| range_map_caption = Range
}}
'''''Acer negundo''''' is a species of [[maple]] native to [[North America]]. '''Box Elder''', '''Boxelder Maple''', and '''Maple Ash''' are its most common names in the United States. In [[Canada]] it is known as '''Manitoba Maple'''. In [[Russia]] it is called '''American Maple''' ({{lang-ru|американский клён}}).
==Common names==
Indicative of its familiarity to many people over a large geographic range, ''A. negundo'' has numerous common names.
The names "Box Elder" and "Boxelder Maple" are based upon the similarity of its whitish wood to that of [[Buxus|boxwood]] and the similarity of its pinnately compound leaves with those of some species of [[Sambucus|elder]].<ref>[http://www.depauw.edu/univ/naturepark/natural_history/trees/aceraceae/acer_negundo.htm DePauw University]</ref>
Other common names are based upon this maple's similarity to [[Fraxinus|ash]], its preferred environment, its [[maple syrup|sugary sap]], a description of its leaves, its [[binomial name]], and so on.
These names include (but are not limited to) Ash-, Cut- or Three-leaf (or -leaved) Maple, Ash Maple, Sugar Ash, Negundo Maple, and River Maple.<ref>[http://www.windsorplywood.com Acer spp.
Aceraceae] Note that some of the common names given in this reference are questionable. "Black Ash" and "Stinking Ash" typically refer to ''[[Hoptree|Ptelea trifoliata]]'' and ''[[Fraxinus nigra]]'', respectively. This reference is retained as an example of the confusion which arises when plants such as ''A. negundo'' are discussed by other than their [[scientific name]]s.</ref>
Common names may also designate a particular [[subspecies]]. For example, a common name for ''A. negundo'' subsp. ''interius'' may be preceded by "Inland" (as in "Inland Boxelder Maple"). A common name for ''A. negundo'' subsp. ''californicum'' may be preceded by "California" or "Western."
==Description==
''A. negundo'' is a small, usually fast-growing and fairly short-lived [[tree]] that grows up to 10-25 m tall, with a trunk diameter of 30-50 cm, rarely up to 1 m diameter. It often has several trunks and can form impenetrable thickets.<ref name="gelderen">van Gelderen, C.J. & van Gelderen, D.M. (1999). ''Maples for Gardens: A Color Encyclopedia''.</ref>
The shoots are green, often with a whitish to pink or violet [[wax]]y coating when young. Branches are smooth, somewhat brittle, and tend to retain a fresh green colour rather than forming a [[bark]] of dead, protective tissue.
Unlike most other maples (which usually have [[leaf shape|palmate]] [[leaf|leaves]]), ''A. negundo'' has [[pinnate]] leaves have three to seven leaflets (usually three). Although some other maples (such as [[Acer griseum|''A. griseum'']], [[Acer mandshuricum|''Acer mandshuricum'']] and the closely-related [[Acer cissifolium|''A. cissifolium'']]) have trifoliate leaves, only ''A. negundo'' regularly displays more than three leaflets.
Leaflets are about 5-10 cm long and 3-7 cm wide with slightly serrate margins. Leafs have a [[translucence|translucent]] light green colour and turn yellow in fall.
The [[flower]]s are small and appear in early [[Spring (season)|spring]] on drooping [[raceme]]s 10-20 cm long. The [[seed]]s are paired [[samara]]s, each seed slender, 1-2 cm long, with a 2-3 cm incurved wing; they drop in [[autumn]] or may persist through winter. Seeds are usually both prolific and [[fertile]].
Unlike most other maples, the ''A. negundo'' is fully [[plant sexuality|dioecious]] and both a "male" and "female" tree are needed for either to reproduce.
==Subspecies==
''A. negundo
'' is often discussed as being comprised of three subspecies, each of which was originally described as a separate species. These are:
*''A. negundo'' subsp. ''negundo'' is the main variety and the type to which characteristics described in the article most universally apply. Its natural range is from the [[Atlantic Coast]] to the Rocky Mountains.<ref name="gelderen"/>
*''A. negundo'' subsp. ''interius'' has more leaf serration than the main species and a more [[matte]] leaf surface. As the name ''interus'' indicates, its natural range of [[Saskatchewan]] to [[New Mexico]] is sandwiched between that of the other two subspecies.<ref name="gelderen"/>
*''A. negundo'' subsp. ''californicum'' has larger leaves than the main species. Leaves also have a velvety texture which is essential to distinguish it from ''A. negundo'' subsp. ''negundo''. It is found in parts of [[California]] and [[Arizona]].<ref name="gelderen"/>
Some authors further subdivide subsp. ''negundo'' into a number of regional varieties but these intergrade and their maintenance as distinct [[taxa]] is disputed by many. Even the differences between recognized subspecies are probably a matter of [[speciation|gradient speciation]]
Finally, note that a few botanists treat Boxelder Maple as its own distinct genus (''Negundo aceroides'') but this is not widely accepted.
==Range==
As noted, varieties of Boxelder maple thrive across the [[United States]] and Canada. It may also be found as far south as [[Guatemala]] and it has become naturalized in eastern [[China]].<ref name="gelderen"/>
Although native to North America, it is considered an [[invasive species]] in some areas of that continent. It can quickly colonize both cultivated and uncultivated areas. The range is therefore expanding both in North America and elsewhere.
==Ecology==
[[Image:Acer-negundo.jpg|thumb|right|''A. negundo'' leaves and seeds]]
This species prefers bright sunlight. It often grows on flood plains and other disturbed areas with ample water supply, such as [[riparian]] habitats. Human influence has greatly favoured this species; it grows around houses and in hedges, as well as on disturbed ground and vacant lots.
Several [[bird]]s and some [[squirrel]]s feed on the seeds. The [[Evening Grosbeak]] uses them extensively. The [[Maple Bug]] (also known as the Boxelder Bug) lays its [[egg (biology)|eggs]] on all maples, but prefers this species.
==Cultivation==
Although its weak wood, irregular form, and prolific seeding might make it seem like a poor choice for a landscape tree, ''A. negundo'' is one of the most common maples in cultivation and many interesting [[cultivar]]s have been developed, including:<ref name="gelderen"/>
*'Auratum' - yellowish leaves with smooth undersides
*'Aureomarginatum' - creamy yellow leaf margins
*'Baron' - Hardier & seedless variety
*'Elegans' - distinctively convex leaves
*'Flamingo' - pink and white [[variegation]] (very popular)
*'Variegatum' - creamy white leaf margins
*'Violaceum' - younger shoots and branches have blueish color
Although its wood is considered undesirable for most uses, this tree has been considered as a commercial source of wood fibre, for use in [[fiberboard|fibreboard]].
==References==
<references/>
*Maeglin, R. R. & Ohmann, L. F. (1973). Boxelder (Acer negundo): A Review and Commentary. ''Bull. Torrey Bot. Club'' 100 (6): 357-363.
==External links==
*[http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/species/frame/acne2.htm ''Acer negundo'' images at bioimages.vanderbilt.edu]
{{commons|Acer negundo}}
*[http://www.museum.state.il.us/muslink/forest/htmls/trees/A-negundo.html ''Acer negundo'' facts and diagnostic traits]
[[Category:Sapindaceae]]
[[Category:Trees of Western Canada]]
[[Category:Trees of Manitoba]]
[[Category:Trees of the United States]]
[[Category:Trees of Southern Mexico]]
[[Category:Trees of Guatemala]]
| color = lightgreen
| name = ''Acer negundo''
| status = {{StatusSecure}}
| image = Acnegundo.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Sapindales]]
| familia = [[Aceraceae]]
| genus = ''[[Maple|Acer]]''
| species = '''''A. negundo'''''
| binomial = ''Acer negundo''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus]]
| range_map = Acer negundo range.PNG
| range_map_width = 240px
| range_map_caption = Range
}}
'''''Acer negundo''''' is a species of [[maple]] native to [[North America]]. '''Box Elder''', '''Boxelder Maple''', and '''Maple Ash''' are its most common names in the United States. In [[Canada]] it is known as '''Manitoba Maple'''. In [[Russia]] it is called '''American Maple''' ({{lang-ru|американский клён}}).
==Common names==
Indicative of its familiarity to many people over a large geographic range, ''A. negundo'' has numerous common names.
The names "Box Elder" and "Boxelder Maple" are based upon the similarity of its whitish wood to that of [[Buxus|boxwood]] and the similarity of its pinnately compound leaves with those of some species of [[Sambucus|elder]].<ref>[http://www.depauw.edu/univ/naturepark/natural_history/trees/aceraceae/acer_negundo.htm DePauw University]</ref>
Other common names are based upon this maple's similarity to [[Fraxinus|ash]], its preferred environment, its [[maple syrup|sugary sap]], a description of its leaves, its [[binomial name]], and so on.
These names include (but are not limited to) Ash-, Cut- or Three-leaf (or -leaved) Maple, Ash Maple, Sugar Ash, Negundo Maple, and River Maple.<ref>[http://www.windsorplywood.com Acer spp.
Aceraceae] Note that some of the common names given in this reference are questionable. "Black Ash" and "Stinking Ash" typically refer to ''[[Hoptree|Ptelea trifoliata]]'' and ''[[Fraxinus nigra]]'', respectively. This reference is retained as an example of the confusion which arises when plants such as ''A. negundo'' are discussed by other than their [[scientific name]]s.</ref>
Common names may also designate a particular [[subspecies]]. For example, a common name for ''A. negundo'' subsp. ''interius'' may be preceded by "Inland" (as in "Inland Boxelder Maple"). A common name for ''A. negundo'' subsp. ''californicum'' may be preceded by "California" or "Western."
==Description==
''A. negundo'' is a small, usually fast-growing and fairly short-lived [[tree]] that grows up to 10-25 m tall, with a trunk diameter of 30-50 cm, rarely up to 1 m diameter. It often has several trunks and can form impenetrable thickets.<ref name="gelderen">van Gelderen, C.J. & van Gelderen, D.M. (1999). ''Maples for Gardens: A Color Encyclopedia''.</ref>
The shoots are green, often with a whitish to pink or violet [[wax]]y coating when young. Branches are smooth, somewhat brittle, and tend to retain a fresh green colour rather than forming a [[bark]] of dead, protective tissue.
Unlike most other maples (which usually have [[leaf shape|palmate]] [[leaf|leaves]]), ''A. negundo'' has [[pinnate]] leaves have three to seven leaflets (usually three). Although some other maples (such as [[Acer griseum|''A. griseum'']], [[Acer mandshuricum|''Acer mandshuricum'']] and the closely-related [[Acer cissifolium|''A. cissifolium'']]) have trifoliate leaves, only ''A. negundo'' regularly displays more than three leaflets.
Leaflets are about 5-10 cm long and 3-7 cm wide with slightly serrate margins. Leafs have a [[translucence|translucent]] light green colour and turn yellow in fall.
The [[flower]]s are small and appear in early [[Spring (season)|spring]] on drooping [[raceme]]s 10-20 cm long. The [[seed]]s are paired [[samara]]s, each seed slender, 1-2 cm long, with a 2-3 cm incurved wing; they drop in [[autumn]] or may persist through winter. Seeds are usually both prolific and [[fertile]].
Unlike most other maples, the ''A. negundo'' is fully [[plant sexuality|dioecious]] and both a "male" and "female" tree are needed for either to reproduce.
==Subspecies==
''A. negundo
'' is often discussed as being comprised of three subspecies, each of which was originally described as a separate species. These are:
*''A. negundo'' subsp. ''negundo'' is the main variety and the type to which characteristics described in the article most universally apply. Its natural range is from the [[Atlantic Coast]] to the Rocky Mountains.<ref name="gelderen"/>
*''A. negundo'' subsp. ''interius'' has more leaf serration than the main species and a more [[matte]] leaf surface. As the name ''interus'' indicates, its natural range of [[Saskatchewan]] to [[New Mexico]] is sandwiched between that of the other two subspecies.<ref name="gelderen"/>
*''A. negundo'' subsp. ''californicum'' has larger leaves than the main species. Leaves also have a velvety texture which is essential to distinguish it from ''A. negundo'' subsp. ''negundo''. It is found in parts of [[California]] and [[Arizona]].<ref name="gelderen"/>
Some authors further subdivide subsp. ''negundo'' into a number of regional varieties but these intergrade and their maintenance as distinct [[taxa]] is disputed by many. Even the differences between recognized subspecies are probably a matter of [[speciation|gradient speciation]]
Finally, note that a few botanists treat Boxelder Maple as its own distinct genus (''Negundo aceroides'') but this is not widely accepted.
==Range==
As noted, varieties of Boxelder maple thrive across the [[United States]] and Canada. It may also be found as far south as [[Guatemala]] and it has become naturalized in eastern [[China]].<ref name="gelderen"/>
Although native to North America, it is considered an [[invasive species]] in some areas of that continent. It can quickly colonize both cultivated and uncultivated areas. The range is therefore expanding both in North America and elsewhere.
==Ecology==
[[Image:Acer-negundo.jpg|thumb|right|''A. negundo'' leaves and seeds]]
This species prefers bright sunlight. It often grows on flood plains and other disturbed areas with ample water supply, such as [[riparian]] habitats. Human influence has greatly favoured this species; it grows around houses and in hedges, as well as on disturbed ground and vacant lots.
Several [[bird]]s and some [[squirrel]]s feed on the seeds. The [[Evening Grosbeak]] uses them extensively. The [[Maple Bug]] (also known as the Boxelder Bug) lays its [[egg (biology)|eggs]] on all maples, but prefers this species.
==Cultivation==
Although its weak wood, irregular form, and prolific seeding might make it seem like a poor choice for a landscape tree, ''A. negundo'' is one of the most common maples in cultivation and many interesting [[cultivar]]s have been developed, including:<ref name="gelderen"/>
*'Auratum' - yellowish leaves with smooth undersides
*'Aureomarginatum' - creamy yellow leaf margins
*'Baron' - Hardier & seedless variety
*'Elegans' - distinctively convex leaves
*'Flamingo' - pink and white [[variegation]] (very popular)
*'Variegatum' - creamy white leaf margins
*'Violaceum' - younger shoots and branches have blueish color
Although its wood is considered undesirable for most uses, this tree has been considered as a commercial source of wood fibre, for use in [[fiberboard|fibreboard]].
==References==
<references/>
*Maeglin, R. R. & Ohmann, L. F. (1973). Boxelder (Acer negundo): A Review and Commentary. ''Bull. Torrey Bot. Club'' 100 (6): 357-363.
==External links==
*[http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/species/frame/acne2.htm ''Acer negundo'' images at bioimages.vanderbilt.edu]
{{commons|Acer negundo}}
*[http://www.museum.state.il.us/muslink/forest/htmls/trees/A-negundo.html ''Acer negundo'' facts and diagnostic traits]
[[Category:Sapindaceae]]
[[Category:Trees of Western Canada]]
[[Category:Trees of Manitoba]]
[[Category:Trees of the United States]]
[[Category:Trees of Southern Mexico]]
[[Category:Trees of Guatemala]]