Box Elder


Photo: Lorna Rose		Box Elder Acer negundo Trees and Shrubs New South Wales Region

	This green leaf form was a popular shade and street tree in the past. It is also used as an understock for other ornamental grafted maples. Silver and gold variegated forms will also revert back to this green form. All grow to 9m and form deciduous shade trees however the mass of seeds they produce has made them major bushland invaders.

HOW IT SPREADS Produces masses of 'winged' seed which are readily carried on winds. Seeds germinate rapidly in gardens, guttering, gaps in paving and driveways etc. Wind transfers them from garden to bush land, parks and reserves.

Removal of these invasive plants is both difficult and very costly if allowed to grow to even a moderate height. Remove the rogue seedlings if they appear in your garden.

Alternative Plants


Photo: Lorna Rose		Claret Ash Fraxinus oxycarpa 'Raywood' Trees and Shrubs

	An Australian hybrid, this tree will grow 10-15m tall and is deciduous. The feather-shaped leaves turn claret red in autumn. A neat, medium sized tree, perfect for garden or street planting.

Photo: Fleming's Nurseries		Sensation Maple Acer negundo 'Sensation' Trees and Shrubs

	The best of the box elder maples. Grows to 9 m tall. With lovely bronze- burgundy growing tips that turn mid green in summer it is beautiful shade tree. Tolerates heat and drought and given good cultivation may grow beyond 10m in height. This variety is sterile, so the self seeding issue with the species is not concern.

Photo: Lorna Rose		Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica Trees and Shrubs

	Decorative, deciduous tree with flat, mid-green leaves that turn brilliant colours in autumn. Almost pyramidal in shape, it rarely exceeds 10-15m as a lovely garden specimen tree.