Acer negundo
Believe it or not, the boxelder tree is actually a type of maple. As such, maple syrup and sugar are sometimes harvested from this tree. In addition, boxelder is tolerant to cold temperatures and drought. It is also a bit of a pioneer species, as it will self-seed aggressively. An insect aptly named the boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata) is often seen alongside this tree as they specialize on eating their seeds and will often swarm on the bark.
Family: Sapindaceae (formerly Aceraceae)
Foliage: Deciduous
Mature height range range: 50-75 feet
Light exposure: Full Sun
Soil preference: Moist, well-drained, wet
Tolerance: Alkaline soil, clay soil, dry sites, occasional drought, occasional flooding
Wildlife: pollinated by insects, browsing by game and small mammals, foraging by birds
