The Propagation of the Boxelder Tree

Propagation

• A dioecious tree, boxelder presents both male and female plants. Male trees are required for pollination. Fruits (paired samaras) hang in long clusters from female trees. Each small green fruit is composed of a anchoring flatten seed attached to a long, thin wing. The seeds whirl like propellers when they detach from the tree in late autumn and early winter. Seeds are carried on the wind or broadcast by birds and small animals. New trees sprout up wherever a seed falls on fertile soil. Boxelder trees can also be propagated by rooted cuttings.

Cultivation Requirements

• Widely distributed across most of the United States and southern Canada, boxelder trees adapt to a wide range of soils including clay, sandy or rocky soils. The hardy tree is drought tolerant and will adapt to wet, semi-moist or arid conditions. Boxelder trees grow in United States hardiness zones 3 through 9 and do best in full- to partial-sun locations.

Boxelder Bark

• The boxelder tree presents thick, grayish-brown bark with interlacing furrows and ridges. The furrows and ridges develop as the tree ages. Boxelder trees may have a single or multiple trunks. The trunk is often twisted, bent or leaning in appearance with numerous major branches or limbs. Boxelder trees produce a sweet, sticky, edible sap. The sap contains a high concentration of sugar and is used to produce a syrup called "mountain molasses." The boxelder tree has little commercial value. The wood is occasionally harvested as pulp or used to make packing crates and pallets.

Boxelder Flowers

• Both the male and female tree present flowers in the early spring before foliage is evident. The flowers are elongated, feathery and a yellow-green in color. Boxelder flowers attract bees and butterflies. The seeds are an important food for birds and small animals. Boxelder trees are a messy tree, dropping seeds, leaves and limbs. Planted to control soil erosion from dust and water run-off, the trees are planted as fencerows in farm fields. The thick, fiberous roots are useful in holding the soil. However, because of their messy habits and lack of vivid fall color, boxelder trees are seldom used in landscape planting or home gardens.