Boxelder (Acer negundo 'Flamingo') is a fast-growing deciduous tree native throughout most of the United States, prized for its variegated foliage and impressive adaptability to challenging urban conditions. Hardy in zones 3 to 9, this medium-sized maple grows 30 to 50 feet tall, occasionally reaching 70 feet, with an irregular rounded crown and graceful paired maple fruits. Its greatest strength lies in its resilience: it thrives in poor soils, wet flood plains, and drought-stressed sites where other trees struggle, making it an invaluable shade tree for difficult landscapes.
Partial Sun
Moderate
3-9
600in H x 420in W
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High
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Boxelder handles almost any soil condition you throw at it, from clay to poor dry ground, wet flood plains to urban compaction. The variegated foliage shines brightest with afternoon shade in hot climates, creating a luminous canopy effect. Its weak wood and fast growth mean branches can break under heavy snow or wind, but this rapid establishment is precisely why it excels in areas where landscape recovery matters.
Boxelder serves primarily as a shade tree for landscapes where soil conditions are poor, compacted, or waterlogged. Its rapid growth and ability to establish quickly in urban settings, along streams, and in flood-prone areas make it valuable for erosion control and quick canopy coverage.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Prune boxelder to remove weak, damaged, or crossing branches, especially after heavy snow or wind events that stress the weak wood. Remove lower branches as the tree grows to maintain clearance and shape the irregular crown. Prune in late winter before growth begins in spring.
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“Acer negundo is widely distributed across the United States except Alaska and Hawaii, typically found naturally in moist to wet soils along streams, river flood plains, and low woods. Although it carries the maple family name and produces the characteristic paired samaras (winged seeds) typical of maples, boxelder distinguishes itself through its unique adaptation to riparian and wetland environments, earning its place as a native tree across vast swaths of North America.”