Acer negundo

The boxelder is an undesirable tree for many urban situations and in some cities, planting it may be illegal. The undesirable characteristics are brittle, weak wood, short life, susceptibility to boxelder bug, and trunk decay. But the tree will grow just about anywhere and therefore it may have uses due to its adaptability. The best thing about the tree is that it will grow on adverse sites where more desirable trees may not.

Acer negundo is a deciduous Tree growing to 21 m by 8 m at a fast rate.
It is hardy to zone 2. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is dioecious . and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light , medium and heavy soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic soils. It can grow in semi-shade or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Of easy cultivation, succeeding in most soils but preferring a rich moist well-drained soil and a sunny position. Grows well in heavy clay soils and in sandy soils. Plants often become chlorotic on very alkaline soils. Plants are hardy to about -18°c. A fast growing but short-lived tree in the wild, living for 75 - 100 years. It is fairly wind-tolerant, but the branches have a tendency to break in strong winds. This species is cultivated commercially in Illinois for its sap. Another report says that this is one of the least productive species for sugar. A very ornamental plant, there are several named varieties. This tree is a bad companion plant that is said to inhibit the growth of neighbouring plants. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus. Very tolerant of pruning, it can regenerate from old wood if it is cut back hard. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.