Acer negundo
Acer negundo is a very common tree in Illinois that can be easily distinguished by it's opposite leaf arrangement, compound leaves, and green twigs.
| Scientific Name: | Acer negundo |
| Synonym: | |
| Family: | Aceraceae |
| Common Name: | Box Elder |
| Authority: | Linneaus |
| Etymology: | Acer is Celtic for hard referring to the wood, and negundo is a Sanskrit name for a tree with leaves like box elder. |
| C Value: | 1 |
| Wetness: | FACW- |
| # of Species in Genus in Illinois: | 12 |
| Duration: | Perennial |
| Reproduction: | Monoecious |
| Flower Type: | Imperfect |
| Flower Shape: | N/A |
| Flower # of Parts: | 5 |
| Flower Color: | Inconspicuous |
| Growth Habit: | Woody |
| Leaf Arrangement: | Opposite |
| Leaf Type: | Pinnate Compound |
| Leaf Shape: | Oval (widest at middle) |
| Leaf Shape Term: | |
| Leaf Margin: | Toothed |
| Leaf Toothing: | coarsely toothed |
| Stem Surface: | Glabrous (smooth), Glaucous |
| Trunk/Bark: | Smooth |
| Armature: | None |
| Twig Characteristics: | Twigs are green with whitish buds |
| Habitat: | Wetland, Prairie, Forest, Savanna, Roadside, Fields |
| Distribution: | BONAP Distribution Map |
| Status (State): | Not Listed |
| Status (Federal): | Not Listed |
| ID Tips: | The only Maple with compound leaves and leaves can have 3 or 5 leaflets. Also the flowers lack petals. |
| Gee Whiz: | Box Elder gets its name because the compound leaves resemble Elder (Sambucus). Flowers are wind pollinated instead of by insects. Leaf shape somewhat resembles poison ivy except they are opposite and poison ivy has an alternate leaf arrangement. Maple wood was sharp and used to make spears. The genus is sometimes placed in the Sapindaceae. |
| Humor: | |
| More Info: | Illinois Wildflowers Search |