The Spruce / K. Dave
Boxelder trees, despite their name, are actually a throw in of maple.
Unlike most other native plants, they have limited value as a landscape tree due to their plain appearance.
However, boxelders grow quickly in most soils and can stabilize ravine banks and stream edges.
najjie/ Flickr /CC BY 2.0
Read on to learn more about identifying boxelder trees and how to remove them, if desired.
Selected regions in other areas of the country may also discourage planting boxelder.
The leaves are typically light green with three lobes (or sometimes five) that look like individual leaves.
A telltale characteristic of boxelders is the green color of the young branches, stems, and twigs.
Boxelder is adioecious plant,which means individual trees produce male or female flowers, but not both.
The inconspicuous flowers appear in April or May.
The flowers tend to drop after storms and leave quite a mess on cars and streets.
The fall foliage of boxelder is unremarkable.
Other Names for Boxelders
Boxelders (Acer negundo) go by many names, depending on region.
It is a very fast-growing tree that can reach a 1-foot-diameter trunk within 10 years.
Its wood, however, is brittle and breaks easily from wind and ice.
If not controlled, boxelder chokes out other, more valuable native species.
Therefore, any suckers and volunteer saplings that have spread via seed dispersion should be removed promptly.
Boxelder bugs are winged insects, about 1/2-inch long.
They are black with orange or red markings, including three stripes behind the head.
How To Get Rid of Boxelder
There are multiple methods for removing boxelder trees.
Whatever path you take, keep an eye on the area after removal.
Boxelders re-sprout vigorously, so they may return and need repeat treatment.
Removing Seedlings
The earlier you remove boxelder seedlings that have sprouted from seeds, the better.
as they can be difficult to remove once they are established.
Hand-pull or dig out the entire seedling with all its roots.
This can weaken the root system and make it easier to remove over time.
One word of caution though.
The roots of boxelder often grow entwined with the roots of other trees.
Boxelder is a moderately long-lived tree with a typical lifespan of 60 to 75 years.
Poison ivy leaves are arranged alternately along the vine and red when the plant is young.
Boxelder leaves, on the other hand, are opposite and light yellow to green in color.
Boxelder Trees Are Toxic to Horses.
Michigan State University Extension.
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
University of Minnesota Extension.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.