Acer negundo (boxelder)

Acer negundo (boxelder). . , Family: Aceraceae (Maple Family), Distribution: Boxelder is the most widely distributed tree of all the maples. It possesses a fairly continuous range in the United States and Canada. It is common in almost every county in West Virginia., Size: 59-69 ft. tall, Habitat/Description: Boxelder is one of the most common bottomland trees. It can be found growing on wet, heavy soils in disturbed areas and river bottoms. It can tolerate seasonal flooding that lasts up to 30 days. Boxelder produces non-showy greenish-yellow flowers between March and May, with or just before the leaves. These flowers are both pollinated by wind and bee visitation. Winged fruits emerge between August and October. Boxelder has a prolific seeding habit. This makes it useful in regard to erosion control. Seeds also serve as an important source of food for wildlife, such as deer and birds. The tree is susceptible to borers and occasional disease problems, such as powdery mildew and canker. This is a native, non-invasive species. Its seedlings and young branches can be mistaken for poison ivy but it has 3-5 leaflets rather than just three., Ethnobotanical Uses: Native American tribes boiled down sap for syrup and candy. Boxelder sap, which is high in sugar content, can be used to create a syrup called "mountain molasses". Native Americans used new branches to make ceremonial painting charcoal. They also used a tea made from the inner bark to induce vomiting. Boxelder wood is light, soft, and weak. This causes it to have a low commercial value. It is usually mixed with other bottomland species to create pulp and rough lumber. The wood has also been used to do interior finishing. Crates, boxes, and low-quality furniture are also built from it.