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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Acer negundo

Acer negundo is a species of maple native to North America, where it is commonly known as box elder, boxelder maple, ash-leaved maple, or Manitoba maple.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Acer negundo is a species of maple native to North America, where it is commonly known as box elder, boxelder maple, ash-leaved maple, or Manitoba maple. It is a fast-growing deciduous tree with pinnately compound leaves, and it is widely planted as an ornamental and street tree. Outside its native range, it has naturalized in many regions and is sometimes treated as invasive.

Description

Acer negundo is a fast-growing deciduous tree with opposite compound leaves and broad, spreading growth. Unlike most maples, its leaves are pinnately compound, usually with three, five, or seven leaflets.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native to North America and occurs naturally across a wide range, especially along river corridors and disturbed sites. It has also been widely introduced and naturalized far beyond its native range.

Uses

Acer negundo is commonly planted as an ornamental and street tree. Its wood has been used for crates, furniture, pulp, and charcoal, and sap can be used to make syrup.

Ecology and impacts

The species is resilient and can spread readily in suitable habitats. In some regions it is regarded as weedy or invasive, especially where it escapes cultivation.

Key facts

  • Acer negundo is the only maple species with compound leaves.
  • It is native to a broad area of North America, from Canada to Mexico and Central America.
  • The tree is fast-growing and tolerant of drought and urban conditions, making it a common street tree.
  • It has male and female flowers on separate plants.
  • Outside its native range, it can be invasive and has naturalized in many parts of the world.
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Canadian context

It is known in Canada as Manitoba maple and is native to parts of southern Canada, making it a familiar urban and riparian tree in Canadian landscapes.

Frequently asked questions

What is Acer negundo commonly called?
It is commonly called box elder, boxelder maple, ash-leaved maple, or Manitoba maple.
Where is Acer negundo native to?
It is native to North America, with a natural range extending from Canada south through the United States into Mexico and Central America.
How is Acer negundo different from other maples?
It is unusual among maples because it has pinnately compound leaves instead of the typical palmately lobed leaves.
Is Acer negundo an invasive species?
It can be invasive or weedy outside its native range, and it has naturalized in many parts of the world.
What is Acer negundo used for?
It is planted as an ornamental and street tree, and its wood, sap, and by-products have various minor uses.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_negundo
    Supports: Common names, native range, leaf form, naturalization, and general species description
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/box-elder
    Supports: Scientific name, family, native range, size, leaf form, uses, and sap/wood uses
  3. EPPO Global Database — https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/ACRNE
    Supports: Preferred name, authority, native and introduced range, and invasive status in some regions
  4. Royal Horticultural Society — https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/217/acer-negundo/details
    Supports: Deciduous habit, pinnate leaves, separate male and female plants, and ornamental cultivation
  5. Sistema de Información de Biodiversidad — https://www.sib.gob.ar/especies/acer-negundo
    Supports: Morphology, dioecious nature, distribution, fruits, and uses