Boxelder: The Underappreciated Native with Purple Panache
Meet the boxelder (Acer negundo var. violaceum), a native North American tree that’s often overlooked but deserves a second look. This variety of boxelder stands out from its cousins with distinctive purple-tinged twigs that add winter interest to any landscape. While it might not win beauty contests against flashier ornamental trees, this hardy native brings a unique combination of adaptability, wildlife value, and year-round appeal that makes it worth considering for the right garden.
What Makes This Boxelder Special?
The botanical name Acer negundo var. violaceum tells us this is a variety of the common boxelder, but with a colorful twist. The violaceum refers to the purple or violet coloration that appears on the young twigs and stems, creating an eye-catching display especially during the dormant season when other trees have lost their leaves.
As a perennial woody plant, this boxelder typically grows as a tree with a single trunk, reaching heights greater than 13-16 feet. However, environmental conditions can sometimes lead to a multi-stemmed growth form or shorter stature.
Where Does It Call Home?
This native beauty has quite an impressive range across the lower 48 states. You’ll find Acer negundo var. violaceum growing naturally in Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
This wide distribution speaks to the tree’s remarkable adaptability – it’s equally at home in the harsh winters of Minnesota as it is in the varied climates of Colorado’s different elevations.
Should You Plant It in Your Garden?
Here’s where boxelder gets a bit controversial. On the plus side, it’s a true native with excellent wildlife value and impressive adaptability. The early spring flowers provide crucial nectar for bees and other pollinators when few other food sources are available. Birds appreciate the seeds, and the tree provides nesting sites and shelter.
However, boxelders can be aggressive self-seeders and may pop up where you don’t want them. They’re also relatively fast-growing, which means they can quickly outgrow their space if not properly managed. The wood is somewhat brittle, making storm damage a consideration.
Perfect Garden Settings
This boxelder shines in:
- Wildlife gardens where natural character is more important than formal appearance
- Rain gardens and riparian plantings (they tolerate wet soils well)
- Informal, naturalistic landscapes
- Areas where you need quick-growing shade
- Native plant gardens focusing on regional species
Growing Your Purple-Twigged Friend
One of boxelder’s greatest assets is its easy-going nature. This tree adapts to a wide range of growing conditions, from wet to relatively dry soils, and tolerates both full sun and partial shade. It’s hardy across USDA zones 2-9, making it suitable for most of the continental United States.
The tree prefers moist, well-drained soil but will tolerate clay, sand, and even occasional flooding. It’s drought-tolerant once established, though it performs best with regular moisture.
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate
- Give it plenty of space – these trees can spread wide
- Water regularly the first year to help establish the root system
- Minimal fertilization needed – native soils usually provide adequate nutrition
- Prune in late fall or winter to maintain shape and remove any damaged branches
- Be prepared to remove volunteer seedlings if you don’t want the tree to naturalize throughout your landscape
The Bottom Line
Acer negundo var. violaceum isn’t for every garden, but it’s perfect for the right situation. If you’re creating a wildlife habitat, need a fast-growing shade tree, or want to support native biodiversity, this purple-twigged boxelder could be exactly what you’re looking for. Just be sure you’re prepared for its enthusiastic growth and self-seeding tendencies. When managed properly, it’s a valuable addition to naturalistic landscapes that prioritize ecological function alongside beauty.
Remember, gardening with natives means working with plants that have evolved to thrive in your local conditions – and this adaptable boxelder has certainly proven its staying power across a huge swath of North America.
