Discovering the Beauty of Boxelder Maple Trees
If you live in North America, you’ve probably seen a boxelder maple tree before. While these trees are less famous than some other maple species, they have their own unique charm that makes them worth admiring. In this article, we’ll explore the beauty of boxelder maple trees and learn more about what makes them special.
The Basics of Boxelder Maple Trees
Boxelder maple trees, also known as Acer negundo, are native to North America. They can grow up to 80 feet tall, although they typically reach heights of around 50 feet. These trees are deciduous, which means they lose their leaves in the fall.
One unique feature of boxelder maple trees is their foliage. Their leaves are divided into three to seven leaflets, making them resemble a hand or a bird’s foot. The leaves are green during the growing season, but turn yellow in the fall.
Boxelder maple trees are often used as ornamental trees, thanks to their attractive appearance and relatively fast growth rate. They are also sometimes planted as shade trees, although their soft wood and brittle branches mean that they may not be the sturdiest option for this purpose.
The Beauty of Boxelder Maple Trees in Different Seasons
Spring
During the spring months, boxelder maple trees come back to life after a long winter. New leaves begin to emerge, and the trees start to produce clusters of yellow-green flowers. These flowers give way to winged seeds, which will eventually become the distinctive samaras that fans of maple trees will be familiar with.
Summer
As summer approaches, boxelder maple trees continue to grow and thrive. Their leaves become darker and shinier, providing a lush backdrop for lazy summer days. The trees’ fast growth rate means that they can provide ample shade in a relatively short amount of time.
Fall
In the fall, boxelder maple trees put on a show-stopping display of color. Their leaves turn shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating a breathtaking contrast against the blue autumn sky. As the temperatures drop, the samaras begin to fall from the trees, littering the ground with a crunchy carpet of seeds.
Winter
While boxelder maple trees may not be at their most visually striking during the winter months, they still have their own unique appeal. During heavy snowfalls, the trees’ branches can become laden with snow, creating a picturesque winter wonderland scene. And even without snow, the stark silhouette of a boxelder maple tree against a gray winter sky can be quite beautiful in its own way.
The Benefits of Boxelder Maple Trees
Aside from their aesthetic appeal, boxelder maple trees offer a number of benefits to the environment and to humans. Here are just a few:
Wildlife Habitat
Boxelder maple trees provide valuable habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Birds such as cedar waxwings, American goldfinches, and purple finches all rely on the seeds of these trees for food. Squirrels and chipmunks are also known to snack on the samaras.
Shade and Cooling
As mentioned earlier, boxelder maple trees can provide ample shade during the summertime. This not only makes outdoor activities more comfortable for humans, but also helps to cool the surrounding area. In urban environments, where the heat island effect can make temperatures soar, trees like boxelder maples can play an important role in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Clean Air
Like all trees, boxelder maples help to filter the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also remove pollutants such as nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide from the atmosphere, improving air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory problems.
Boxelder maple trees may not be as well-known as other maple species, but they certainly hold their own when it comes to beauty and environmental benefits. Whether you’re admiring their delicate spring flowers, seeking refuge under their shady boughs in the summertime, or crunching through a pile of fallen samaras in the fall, these trees are a delight to behold at any time of year.
Boxelder Maple, Acer Negundo, Native, Deciduous, Ornamental, Samara, Wildlife Habitat, Shade, Clean Air
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