Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Acer negundo Linnaeus
(Box Elder, Fresno de Guajuco)


Family: Sapindaceae, formerly Aceraceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
By var., see Allred

Acer negundo has leaves that are typically trifoliate but may have more leaflets in a compound leaf. The shrub or small tree is found in moist roadside areas thoughout lower to mid-elevations in the Gila Wilderness. The winged fruit, growing on new green spring growth, is called a samara. The winter twigs are somewhat glaucous and the leaf scars are circumferential.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Acer negundo, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Gold Gulch Spring, Apr. 30, 2007



Acer negundo, in flower, photo Elroy Limmer, Silver City, Big Ditch Park, March 27, 2009



Acer negundo, with samaras, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Pancho Cyn., April 17, 2009



Acer negundo, winter twig slightly glaucous and with circumferential leaf scars, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Silver City, December 27, 2009



Acer negundo, winter twig slightly glaucous and with circumferential leaf scars, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Silver City, February 28, 2010



Acer negundo, 3x macro of circumferential leaf scar on winter twig, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Silver City, February 28, 2010



Acer negundo, 1x macro of terminal bud on winter twig, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Silver City, February 28, 2010


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