Variegated Boxelder
Acer negundo 'Variegatum'
Also known as Boxelder, Ashleaf Maple, Manitoba Maple
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A fast-growing deciduous tree with distinctive variegated foliage featuring white or cream markings on green leaves. Prized for its bright foliage color in spring and summer, though it may require pruning to maintain vigor and shape.
Why grow it
Variegated Boxelder offers lighter foliage than the species, making it useful for adding brightness to mid-story canopy in mixed plantings without the density of fully green Acer negundo. It matures faster than many ornamental maples, providing relatively quick structural presence while nitrogen-fixing companion plants establish. The variegation is most pronounced in full sun and fades somewhat in shade, so site selection directly affects ornamental performance.
Watch out for
Variegated forms often show reduced vigor compared to the species, particularly in establishment years, and may need staking or selective pruning to develop a strong central leader. The white-marked foliage can sunburn or revert toward plain green if the plant experiences significant water stress during hot summers, requiring consistent moisture during the first few growing seasons.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Sapindaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
North America (Acer negundo native)
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A fast-growing deciduous tree with distinctive variegated foliage featuring white or cream markings on green leaves. Prized for its bright foliage color in spring and summer, though it may require pruning to maintain vigor and shape.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Variegated Boxelder grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Variegated Boxelder offers lighter foliage than the species, making it useful for adding brightness to mid-story canopy in mixed plantings without the density of fully green Acer negundo. It matures faster than many ornamental maples, providing relatively quick structural presence while nitrogen-fixing companion plants establish. The variegation is most pronounced in full sun and fades somewhat in shade, so site selection directly affects ornamental performance.
Watch out for
Variegated forms often show reduced vigor compared to the species, particularly in establishment years, and may need staking or selective pruning to develop a strong central leader. The white-marked foliage can sunburn or revert toward plain green if the plant experiences significant water stress during hot summers, requiring consistent moisture during the first few growing seasons.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Sapindaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
North America (Acer negundo native)
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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