Manitoba Maple
Scientific Name: Acer negundo L.
Common Names: Manitoba Maple, Boxelder, Ashleaf Maple
Family: Sapindaceae
Native Range: Native to central North America, particularly along the Prairies and in floodplains, streambanks, and riparian zones. Found from the southeastern parts of the U.S. up to Canada (including southern Ontario and Quebec).
Occurs from the northern Great Plains (e.g., Manitoba) to the southwestern U.S.
Introduced Range: Frequently planted in urban environments across North America (Zones CA2, NA2), naturalized beyond its native range, especially in disturbed sites.
Canadian Plant Hardiness Zones: 2 to 4 (generally hardy in the Prairie provinces).

Size & Growth
Typical Height: 10–20 m (33–65 ft)
Maximum Recorded Height: 20 m (65 ft)
Trunk Diameter:
Average: 45 cm (18 in)
Maximum: 75 cm (30 in)
Growth Rate: Fast
Typical Lifespan: 30–60 years
Record Age: Garneau tree 143yr
Sprout/Coppicing: Yes

Notable Leaf Features:
Leaves: Pinnately compound. 3–9 leaflets. 5–12 cm long. Shallow, uneven, coarsely formed. Not symmetrical.
Light green, grayish-green underneath, generally hairless. Yellow in fall.
Preformed leaves 3 leaflets... new leaves have more leaflets and irregular margins.
Bark: Smooth, light grayish-brown when young, getting darker and developing narrow ridges with age.
Twigs: Moderately stout, shiny, greenish-purple or brown, often covered with a waxy powder that can be rubbed off.
Seeds: Winged seeds (keys) single 30–50 mm long, curved or bent inwards, with the angle between them usually less than 45°.
Mature in autumn and often remain on the tree over winter.

Reproduction & Life Cycle
Seed Maturity: Produces seeds when 10-20 years old.
Reproductive Cycle: Reproduces annually. Seed flowers appear in early spring, and pollen flowers are separate from seed flowers.
Pollination Method: Wind-pollinated.
Seed Dispersal Mechanism: Wind dispersal.
Seed Dormancy Requirements: No cold stratification needed for germination.

Environmental Preferences
Soil Preferences: Tolerates a variety of soil types, including moist, well-drained soils, and thrives in disturbed areas, riparian zones, and floodplains.
Water Needs: High... prefers areas that are seasonally flooded or near water sources.
Drought Tolerance: Moderate; can survive drought but is not ideal for long periods without water.
Flood Tolerance: High... thrives in flood-prone areas.
Shade Tolerance: Intolerant of shade... requires full sun to grow well.
Root System Type: Shallow, fibrous root system, sometimes with a taproot in deep soils.
Climate Adaptability: Hardy to cold temperatures and resistant to frost and drought but not to strong winds.

Physical & Chemical Properties
Wood Density: 400–600 kg/m³ (25–37 lb/ft³)
Strength Rating: Low... wood is relatively soft and weak.
Decay Resistance: Not decay-resistant; wood is susceptible to rot, especially in damp conditions.
Fire Resistance: Low; due to the soft wood and moisture content, it does not have good fire resistance.
Fire Regeneration Ability: Limited regeneration after fire due to shallow roots and soft wood. Regenerates from sprouting after low intensity fires.

Ecological Role & Interactions
Wildlife Value: Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.
The tree can also provide shelter for various species, particularly in riparian areas.
Companion Species: Grows alongside other floodplain species such as willows, and cottonwoods.
Invasive Status: Can be invasive in areas outside its native range, particularly in disturbed environments.
Threats: Susceptible to pests such as aphids, maple borers, and various fungi.
Vulnerable to climate change, especially droughts and intense storms.

Traditional Uses: Indigenous peoples used the sap for making syrup, though it is not as commonly tapped as sugar maple.
The wood was historically used for small tools and construction.
Modern Uses:
The tree is used in landscaping and urban planting for its quick growth and shade, although its weak wood can be a drawback.
Wood used for pulp and sometimes for small woodworking projects.
Symbolism/Mythology:
Not as prominent in mythology as other maple species, but may be seen as a symbol of resilience due to its adaptability in harsh environments.

Unique Features: One of the few native maples with compound leaves, resembling ash trees.
Interesting Historical Facts: A commonly planted tree in the Prairie provinces, where it has been used for shelterbelts and shade in urban areas.
Rare/Endangered Varieties: No known endangered varieties, but the species exhibits significant variability, including a common variety with only 3 leaflets and hairy leaf stalks and twigs.