Sapindaceae

Acer negundo

Common Names: Box elder

Plant Form: Medium tree. Size: 6-15 m tall. Stem: Smooth light grey or brown bark, becoming rougher with age. Leaves: Large leaves 20-30 cm long, divided into 3-9 oval or egg-shaped leaflets. Flowers: Greenish to pinkish, without petals, in clusters (male) or drooping on stalk (female). Fruit and Seeds: Dry, winged green to brown as mature. V-shaped and fly like propellors. Habitat: Along watercourses, wet forests, woodlands, roadsides and other disturbed areas. Distinguishing Features: Smaller and more complex leaves than similar Sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus). Propellor-like fruits differ from Ash (Fraxinus species). Impacts: Outcompetes and alters native vegetation, can damage pavement and pipes in urban areas.