What kind of tree is a box elder?
Comments: Sometimes called “Ash-leaved Maple” because of its non-typical leaves, ( see below ), Box Elder is technically considered a maple tree ( Acer genus). Its lumber is softer, weaker, and lighter than almost all other species of maple, and Box Elder’s overall strength, as well as it’s strength-to-weight ratio are poor.
What are boxelder maple trees good for?
The wood of boxelder maple trees is soft and has no commercial value. Boxelder maple tree facts tell us that this maple usually grows on river banks or near water in the wild. These trees help to shelter wildlife and stabilize stream banks.
Are box elder trees poisonous?
Allergies/Toxicity: Box Elder, along with other maples in the Acer genus have been reported to cause skin irritation, runny nose, and asthma-like respiratory effects.
How do you keep boxelder trees from growing in your yard?
Boxelder trees prefer at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. One way to deter them from growing in your yard might be to block their source of sunlight. If a young tree is too deeply rooted to dig out, try cutting it back and taping with duct tape to prevent sun exposure.
Is Box Elder wood good for anything?
The light wood lends itself to boxes, carvings, turnings, treenware, toys, and simple furniture or storage projects. Spalted boxelder, with its raspberry streaks, is highly prized for accent work and turnings. The wood isn't suitable for outdoor projects.
What can box elder be used for?
It was and still is used for crates and boxes, in pulp for paper, for fuel, cheap furniture, and kitchen tools. Woodworkers occasionally use boxelder wood, particularly gnarled pieces or those with red-stained spalting, for turning into bowls and other objects.
Are box elder tree leaves poisonous?
Typically, animals with adequate nutrition will not browse foliage or ingest leaves or seeds, but drought, storms resulting in fallen branches, curiosity or boredom may result in their consumption. The top five trees poisonous to large animals are the red maple, oak, box elder, chokecherry and black walnut.
Are box elder trees invasive?
Box elder trees are native to North America, but are considered invasive in some parts of the continent. They're so good at invading that short after being introduced as a park tree in Europe in 1688, they spread across Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland.
Is Box Elder good firewood?
Boxelder firewood is average at best, comparatively speaking. It belongs to the Maple family but has some differences. Boxelder is a low-density hardwood and has softwood-like properties. It burns fast and gives high heat but for only a short time.
Should I cut down box elder trees?
Anyone who has tried to cut a box elder out of their yard will know that they are incredibly scrappy, tough and hard to kill. Box elders can grow on almost any type of soil in almost any habitat. When they are cut down or killed, they send up “suckers” or new growth vigorously for years.
Is box elder harmful to dogs?
Are Boxelder Bugs Dangerous to Pets? Considered harmless, boxelder bugs have no venom and don't sting. If your pet should happen to eat one, it will probably be the last time. Boxelders have a nasty taste that often makes dogs and cats vomit.
Is it poison ivy or box elder?
Poison ivy leaves are arranged alternately along the vine and box elder leaves have an opposite arrangement. Another clue is the young leaf color. A young poison ivy plant is almost always reddish in color while a young boxelder is usually a light yellow to green.
Are box elder poisonous to dogs?
Boxelder Bugs aren't incredibly dangerous to your pooch or feline, but they can make them feel sick. Thankfully, these bugs have an extremely foul taste, so most animals will avoid eating large quantities (though cats tend to be more likely to snack on these bugs than dogs).
Are boxelder trees good trees?
The boxelder is great for pollinators since its flowers bloom early. This tree is fantastic for preventing erosion near waterways in that it grows very well — and quickly — near streams and in wet soils. These maples lower their limbs with ease, which in turn provides shelter for small animals on the ground.
Do box elder trees attract boxelder bugs?
As their name implies, boxelder bugs are attracted to boxelder trees, as well as silver maple trees. If you have either of these trees around your home or in your neighborhood, it's likely that you'll spot boxelder bugs at some point.
Why are they called box elders?
Presumably, early American settlers who were familiar with elders back in England saw a similarity in their foliage. And its wood is said to be whitish like that of an Old World evergreen shrub called the common box. Hence, the box elder.
Can you eat boxelder bugs?
However, when disturbed or smashed, they will release a pungent (and bad-tasting) compound to discourage predators. This, along with their orange or red markings, makes it easy for most predators to remember to avoid eating these bugs.
What good are box elder bugs?
One of the endearing qualities of boxelder bugs is that they can release bad-smelling/tasting chemicals to discourage predators. Like many other insects with similar capabilities (monarch butterflies and long-horned milkweed beetles, for example), they have bright orange or red markings to warn predators off.
Are box elder bugs dirty?
Boxelder bugs leave a nasty stain on carpets when squashed so keep that in mind before you step on one! Adult Boxelder bugs can fly over a mile to find suitable feeding and nesting areas! Elder bugs can also release a nasty smell to ward off predators, much like a stink bug!
Will chickens eat box elder bugs?
Spiders and predacious insects may eat boxelder bugs, too. For farmers or homesteaders, chickens, ducks and guinea hens may be the answer. These birds eat a large number of insects daily, so boxelder bugs may be a tasty treat, especially if other food is limited.
What is a boxelder tree?
What is a boxelder tree? Boxelder ( Acer negundo) is a fast-growing maple tree native to this country (U.S.). Although drought resistant, boxelder maple trees do not have a lot of ornamental appeal to homeowners. Read on for additional boxelder tree information.
Do boxelder bugs come on in winter?
Finally, female trees attract boxelder bugs. These are insects some ½ inch (1 cm.) long that don’t cause many problems in the garden. However, boxelder bugs are problematic as winter comes on.
Do boxelder maple trees break easily?
Boxelder maple tree facts tell us that these trees have brittle, weak wood. That means that the trees break easily in wind and ice storms. In addition, boxelder maple tree information confirms that the tree seeds, found in winged samaras, germinate very easily. This can make them a nuisance in a private garden.
Is a boxelder maple male or female?
Some boxelder maple trees are male and some are female. The females bear blossoms that turn bright green when they are pollinated. They can add color to your spring garden. However, most experts do not recommend that gardeners begin boxelder maple tree growing, nor are they very popular garden plants. Boxelder maple tree facts tell us that these ...
Is boxelder maple a commercial maple?
It’s an easy-to-grow, very adaptable maple. The wood of boxelder maple trees is soft and has no commercial value. Boxelder maple tree facts tell us that this maple usually grows on river banks or near water in the wild. These trees help to shelter wildlife and stabilize stream banks.
Can boxelder maple trees grow in cold climates?
Given the tree’s tolerance and adaptability, boxelder maple trees are not difficult to grow in the proper climate. These trees can grow in almost any mild, cool, or cold region in the United States. In fact, they thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 2 through 9. Plant your boxelder near a stream or river, if possible.
How tall is a boxelder tree?
A boxelder in the landscape grows to a height of 25 to 50 feet, depending on tree variety and site conditions. One of the tallest ever measured had a recorded height of 110 feet. The tree's crown spread is 25 to 45 feet and the crown is typically broad and ragged or disheveled. The tree often has multiple furrowed trunks or very squat single trunks.
What are the different types of Boxelder trees?
There are several attractive cultivars of boxelder including "Aureo-Variegata", "Flamingo" and "Auratum". The cultivar Acer negundo "Aureo-Variegata" is noted for its leaves bordered in gold. Acer negundo "Flamingo' has variegated leaves with pink margins and is somewhat available at local nurseries. Acer negundo "Auratum" has abundant gold leaves but is a little harder to find. You must remember that even though these cultivars are ornamental, they still share the original boxelder tree’s undesirable characteristics that include unattractive female fruit and breakage that increase the chances of the tree's early removal due to quick growth.
What is the bug that eats boxelder trees?
Boxelder bug or Leptocoris trivittatus loves the boxelder tree. This half-inch red-striped insect is a true pest during winter where the adult multiplies and invades homes near where boxelder trees grow. It is one of the most common household pests in the United States.
What is the scientific name of Boxelder?
The scientific name of boxelder is Acer negundo (AY-ser nuh-GUHN-doe). Common names include ashleaf maple, Manitoba maple, and poison ivy tree and the tree is a member of the plant family Aceraceae.
What does a boxelder look like?
The fruit droops in clusters which some describe as looking like "dirty brown socks" which adds to the overall trashy look of the tree. The boxelder bug makes things even worse.
What is the best thing about a tree?
The best thing about the tree is that it is comfortable on poor sites where more desirable trees cannot maintain adequate health for long life. It is very commonly seen in the treeless plains and western United States as a street tree. You can use the tree for quick growth but plan to interplant with more desirable trees to provide ...
Where is Boxelder native to?
Boxelder grows in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8 and is native to North America. The tree is sometimes crafted into a bonsai specimen but often used as a screen/ windbreak and for land reclamation. It grows rapidly, can become very large and needs a lot of space.
What is a boxelder tree?
Although its common name may be the source of some confusion, the boxelder tree is actually a variety of maple ( Acer negundo ).
What does it mean when a boxelder tree is on your landscape?
For many gardeners, having a boxelder on or near your landscape means a pretty constant source of "weed trees" that keep springing up.
How to identify boxelder maple?
The boxelder is easy to identify by its leaves, which are light yellowish green and composed of three separate irregularly toothed segments that look like individual leaves. Unlike many maples, the leaves of the boxelder do not have a waxy surface and have a somewhat puckered texture.
How do I keep boxelder trees from growing in my yard?
One way to deter them from growing in your yard might be to block their source of sunlight. If a young tree is too deeply rooted to dig out, try cutting it back and taping with duct tape to prevent sun exposure.
Why is Boxelder a nuisance?
The boxelder's tolerance of many different and far from ideal growing conditions make it a bit of a nuisance because it grows in unlikely or inconvenient places (like against the foundation of a house or next to a mature tree).
Can boxelder trees be planted?
Given its invasive tendencies, most gardeners would not choose to plant a boxelder tree, but many people have to deal with them on or near properties because they spread so freely and somewhat aggressively.
Can boxelders survive drought?
Being a deciduous tree, the boxelder will adapt to the water conditions of its habitat fairly easily. If there's a long term drought it may cause some weakening of the tree's branch structure.
What is box elder used for?
Common Uses: Turned objects, small ornamental objects, wood pulp, charcoal, boxes, and crates. Comments: Sometimes called “Ash-leaved Maple” because of its non-typical leaves, ( see below ), Box Elder is technically considered a maple tree ( Acer genus). Its lumber is softer, weaker, and lighter than almost all other species of maple, ...
Why is my heartwood red?
The heartwood is a grayish/yellowish brown, frequently with red or pink streaks. The red stain is produced by the tree’s natural defenses when wounded—it is thought that this compound is meant to inhibit the growth of fungus (Fusarium solani) that commonly colonizes the tree.
Is heartwood rot resistant?
The growth rings are usually faint and non-distinct. Rot Resistance: Poor durability, rated as non-durable to perishable . Heartwood is subject to heart rot and insect attack. Workability: Easy to work with both hand and machine tools.
Does box elder have a smell?
Turns, glues, and finishes well. Odor: Box Elder has a distinct and unpleasant scent when wet, which mostly subsides once dry. Allergies/Toxicity: Box elder, along with other maples in the Acer genus have been reported to cause skin irritation, runny nose, and asthma-like respiratory effects.
Is Box Elder maple stronger than maple?
Its lumber is softer, weaker, and lighter than almost all other species of maple, and Box Elder’s overall strength, as well as it’s strength-to-weight ratio are poor. Images: Drag the slider up/down to toggle between raw and finished wood.
Is Silver Maple the same as Box Elder?
Silver maple (sometimes simply sold as “soft maple”) has an overlapping range and weighs nearly the same as boxelder. Applying a solution of ferrous sulfate as described in this article (see point #3) can quickly separate box elder from other maples as it does not produce any color change whatsoever. Notes: None.
How tall do boxelder trees grow?
Also called the ash-leaved maple, the trees typically grow to a height of 25 to 50 feet. The tree is actually part of the maple family but it's considered somewhat of an outcast and an overall trashy tree. Boxelder Seeds.
What is the quality of boxelder firewood?
Overall, the firewood ranges from low to medium quality depending on your specific needs and expectations. Just like any other piece of wood, boxelder will burn and generate heat.
What do boxelder bugs eat?
Boxelder bugs feed and lay eggs on boxelder trees throughout the year. Their primary food is the seeds from the boxelder tree but they'll also consume some of the newly developed leaves as well. As colder weather approaches they search for a warm place to spend the winter.....which is usually your home.
Can boxelder wood stain fabric?
They don't harm the tree but they have a foul odor and can even stain fabric and walls inside your house. On a positive note, the wood from a boxelder is very popular for turning bowls and other items because of the red streaks found inside the center heartwood.
Is wood good for a fire?
The wood burns just fine and actually makes pretty good kindling. However, if you're out searching for a good firewood to last throughout the winter, your time is better spent on a better, more desirable firewood choice.
Is boxelder wood wet or dry?
Boxelder Firewood. Typically, boxelder wood is gnarly, twisted and tough to split. The wood is very heavy when it's wet and almost as light as balsa wood when it's dry. Many people compare burning boxelder with burning silver maple.
How tall is a boxelder maple tree?
A mature boxelder tree may reach a maximum height of 65 feet. While these trees help stabilize stream banks and shelter wildlife, they are considered a type of weed in urban areas. Some states even go as far as to consider the boxelder maple an invasive species.
How are male and female boxelder trees identified?
Male and female boxelder trees are identified based on their flowers. Male flowers droop downward and resemble wispy green-colored tassels. Individual male flowers have light brown stamens and occur in clumps along the branches.
What is the smell of boxelder maple?
It also has a brown bark trunk and, when wet, gives off a foul, unusual smell.
What animals can you find in a maple tree?
When a tree's top branches fall, a cavity will form and provide a habitat for species such as woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, opossums, foxes, raccoons, and other wildlife.
Do boxelder trees have bugs?
While these bugs aren't necessarily a nuisance to the boxelder tree, they tend to invade nearby homes, searching for warmth during the winter.
Is Boxelder a weed?
Are considered an aggressive tree: These trees germinate easily, meaning they will quickly vegetate if already present. When the boxelder's winged seeds drop, they disperse quickly and take root with ease, leading to its reputation as an invasive "weed tree.".
Is a boxelder a pollinator?
The boxelder is great for pollinators since its flowers bloom early. This tree is fantastic for preventing erosion near waterways in that it grows very well — and quickly — near streams and in wet soils. These maples lower their limbs with ease, which in turn provides shelter for small animals on the ground.
Does box elder burn well indoors?
Box elder is a good choice for outdoor fires, but it's not recommended to burn indoors because of the smoke it produces.
Best way to use box elder firewood?
Because box elder firewood burns fast, it is best suited for starting a fire. You can use box elder as kindling to get your fire started. You can also use box elder to place above your kindling because it will catch fire quickly. After getting a few box elder pieces burning, you can put harder, denser wood on top to build your fire.
Box Elder or Ash?
This is a very common question that we answer on pretty much every question and discussion about wood splitting questions. Box Elder wood is a hardwood, and Ash is a softwood. Softwoods are not as dense as hardwoods, so they usually don't produce as much heat. Hardwoods also tend to burn for a longer time than softwoods.
So, is box elder good firewood?
Overall, box elder is a decent firewood choice. It's fairly easy to find and split, but it's not recommended for indoor fires because of the smoke. It does produce decent quality firewood outdoor; just be safe when you're burning box elder!
Box Elder firewood BTUs
The heat produced by box elder firewood is low for a hardwood, but is not too bad. At 18.2 BTUs, you can definitely warm yourself by the fire. This is enough heat to heat your home if you continually add box elder wood to the fire.
Splitting and seasoning box elder firewood
Box elder firewood can be difficult to split. It tends to break up and splinter when it is dry. Splitting box elder when it is still damp will make it easier.
Storing box elder firewood
Box elder firewood should be stored in a dry location and off of the ground. Box elder firewood should be burned within a year of first cutting it. It will tend to get too dry and rot if it is left too long.
About The Boxelder
Boxelder Cultivars
- There are several attractive cultivars of boxelder including "Aureo-Variegata," "Flamingo," and "Auratum." The cultivar Acer negundo, "Aureo-Variegata," is noted for its leaves bordered in gold. Acer negundo, "Flamingo," has variegated leaves with pink margins and is somewhat available at local nurseries. Acer negundo, "Auratum," has abundant gold leaves but is a little harder to find. …
Problems with Boxelder
- Boxelder is a rather unattractive tree when limbs break and create a landscape maintenance nightmare. The fruit droops in clusters, which some describe as looking like "dirty brown socks." And the boxelder bug makes things even worse. The boxelder bug (Leptocoris trivittatus) loves the boxelder tree. This half-inch red-striped insect is a true pest during winter. Adults even multi…
Pruning Boxelder
- You will have to prune this tree regularly. Boxelder branches droop as the tree grows and will require pruning if you have consistent walking and vehicular traffic under the canopy. The tree form is not particularly showy and should be grown with one single trunk to maturity. The tree is susceptible to breakage that can occur either at the crotch d...