Box-elder

Acer negundo
BOX-ELDER
Aceraceae
North America

Location: map coordinates M-7 (near southeast side of retention pond, north of Baker Building), N 39°11'11'' W 75°32'46''

Planting history: planted 5/6/10. Source: Joseph Wick Nurseries, DE. (Dr. S. Yost, USDA NIFA Capacity Building Grant funds).

Description:

small- to medium-sized deciduous tree
etymology: Acer is the classical name; Acer means sharp, probably from Roman spears with sharp tips, made from the wood of a maple species; negundo from resemblance to leaves of Vitex negundo (chastetree)
leaf compound (unusual for a maple), with 3-5 (7) leaflets; also called ash-leaved maple
dioecious (separate male and female trees); flowers small, lacking petals
fruit = 2 joined samaras (winged achenes)
wood soft; used to make cheap furniture and boxes, hence the common name “box-elder”; but not related to true elders (Sambucus)
native habitat moist soils; does well in sun or shade, wet or dry soils

Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)