Height of the Acer Flamingo

Identification

• Native to North America, this weedy tree is winter hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8, and may survive winters to as low as USDA zone 3a. It grows in the wild in wet places, along stream banks and on flood plains, and its weedy tendencies also mean it naturalizes quickly where ground has been disturbed. Inconspicuous white flowers form in spring, and change to brown pods, which may create a litter problem.

Height

• The “Flamingo” boxelder usually reaches a maximum height of about 50 feet, with a canopy spread of 30 feet. It grows very quickly, 24 inches or more per season, and, therefore, can reach its maximum height in 25 years or so. It has a round, symmetrical crown and dense foliage, though brittle branches mean you probably shouldn't use it as a shade tree. Because it is a quick grower, it can be used as a stand-in tree while you wait for more desirable trees to mature.

Culture

• Tolerant of acidic or alkaline soil of sand, loam or clay types, “Flamingo” boxelder will grow almost anywhere that is well-drained. It prefers wet soil, and can withstand floodwaters, but also will tolerate merely moist and even dry growing conditions. It prefers full sun or partial shade, and has a moderate tolerance of aerosol salinity, so can be grown near the seaside. It is susceptible to aphids, erineum mites, gall mites, verticillium wilt and anthracnose.

Garden Uses

• “Flamingo” boxelder is widely adaptive and will grow in many places other trees will not. Therefore, it is a good choice for areas where either serious drought or extended flooding are a problem. Although it may work well in rural areas, it doesn't in urban ones, as its weak wood, and the litter caused by fruit and leaves may create mess and danger. You may purchase male trees to avoid the litter problem. It also works well as a screen or for bonsai.