Box Elder

Manitoba Maple (Acer negundo)

Common Names: Box Elder, Boxelder Maple, Manitoba Maple, Ash-leaved Maple

Distribution: North America (most commonly in Central and Eastern United States)

Color/Appearance: Sapwood is a pale white, sometimes with a yellow/green hue similar to Yellow Poplar. The heartwood is a grayish or yellowish brown, frequently with red or pink streaks. The red stain is produced by the tree’s natural defenses when wounded—it is thought that this compound is meant to inhibit the growth of fungus (Fusarium solani) that commonly colonizes the tree.

Janka Hardness: 720 lb_f

Density: 2.5 lb/b.f.

Shrinkage: 1

Radial (thickness): 3.9%

Tangential (width): 7.4%,

Volumetric (total): 14.8%,

T/R Ratio (width to depth): 1.9

Allergies/Toxicity: 1 Reported to cause skin irritation, runny nose and asthma-like respiratory effects.

Controlled species: CITES: no, IUCN: no

Common Uses: Turned objects, small ornamental objects, wood pulp, charcoal, boxes and crates.