Acer negundo
Box Elder, Ashleaf Maple

Mature Height: 30-95'     Longevity: 100 years

 Acer negundo leaf. Acer negundo character art.
   

2-8 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

3-8 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
2: High drought tolerance. Literature indicates presence in dry areas and waste places. Not 1 since not a drought specialist.

8: High flood tolerance but not typical of areas that are flooded frequently for long periods of time, more common along swamp edges than in swamps.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (North) same comments as PFG. (South) Same as PFG except does not appear to have presence in Z9 in Texas.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: (North) East coast range ends in Z4, but well into Z3 in interior of US & into mid Canada, little to no presence in Z2. (South) Solid presence through Z7 w/ some presence in Z8 & even Z9 in Texas.


   

8   Sun Strength

6   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
7.3 = rapid - very rapid
+.3 = Pioneer Capable
+.6 = 3 Major & 2 Minor
+.2 = Moderate
0 = No
-.1 = 55'
-.1 = 95'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
6 = intermediate - tolerant
0 = not usual climax
+.6 = 3 Major & 2 Minor
+.2 = Moderate
0 = No
-.1 = 55'
-.5 = 100 yrs

TOTAL SCORE (8.2): Excellent hardiness, broad range of suitable soil types, and rapid to very rapid growth make species very strong competitor in sun.

TOTAL SCORE (6.2): Very short lifespan prevents tree from being stronger in shade and later succession.


   

2   Fire Strength

1   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: none-low (Big Tree) = 3
Thin bark, short bole, typically shallow roots, & short longevity justify lowering value by 1. No special adaptations to fire noted in literature. Morphology strong support for lowering score.
Final Value = 2

DEFENSE
Base Score: low (Big Tree) = 2
Wood is weak & tree is noted for losing limbs even during minor storms. Roots are wide spreading and windthrow or trunk snapping are uncommon. However tree is susceptible to diseases after storm damage. Short longevity & poor form lead to decision to drop value by 1.
Final Value = 1