Acer negundo californicum, commonly known as the California boxelder, is a variety of the tree species Acer negundo that is native to the Western United States, particularly California. This variety is part of the Aceraceae family, which includes maples, and is known for its deciduous nature.
The California boxelder typically reaches a height of 30-50 feet, with a broad-rounded crown and a trunk that can reach up to a foot in diameter. The leaves are pinnately compound with 3-7 leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate in shape, with serrated margins. The lobes of the leaflets have a pointed tip.
The bark of Acer negundo californicum is light to dark gray with shallow furrows and irregular ridges, giving the tree a distinct appearance. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in early spring, which are arranged in clusters called racemes. These give way to paired, winged fruits that are known as samaras or "helicopter seeds" due to their spinning motion when falling from the tree.
The California boxelder is often found in riparian habitats, along streams, and in moist areas such as canyons and floodplains. It is adaptable to various soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clayey soils. The tree is known for its rapid growth, often forming dense groves in the wild.
Due to its relatively short lifespan of around 30-50 years, the California boxelder is primarily valued for its ornamental appeal. It is also important for providing habitat and food for various wildlife species, including birds and insects.
