Box Elder-Acer negundo
The box elder is a native medium-sized deciduous tree with an irregular form that reaches 25 to 50 feet high (the box elder may also appear as a large shrub). The box elder has a fast growth rate (2 feet or more in a single year when young) and a shorter life span of about 75 years. Twigs are stout, light green to purplish or brownish color with a polished look. Once established, the box elder is a drought-tolerant tree, but can be prone to box elder beetles and internal decay. Click here for more information.
Barbara Tokarska-Guzik, University of Silesia, Bug
The box elders are part of the 2011 Select Tree Program. Each year the Colorado Tree Coalition chooses a species of tree that may show potential for growing well in Colorado cities. Then cities, such as Colorado Springs, volunteer to test the species in their community by monitoring the trees and reporting back on how they do.
Richard Old, XID Services, Inc., Bugwood.org
