Scientific Name
Acer negundo
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Family Name
Aceraceae
Common Name
Ash-leaf maple, California boxelder, western boxelder, Manitoba maple
Native American Name
Lakota: cansuska
Description
Acer negundo is a(n) spreading small tree. It is often a multi-stemmed, which grows 8 m to 25 m in height. This species is commonly found stream banks and in canyon bottoms throughout the Great Plains. The leaves are opposite, pinnately compound. Acer negundo has yellowish green, single sex, non-showy flowers that bloom from March to May, just as leaves emerge.
Horticulture Notes
Seed Collection: Collect fruits (samaras) in June or July
Germination: Plant in moist soil when fruits begin dropping from the trees
Vegetative Propagation: By seed
Soils: Appear to adapt to most soil types
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Grow best where ample water is available
Food Uses:The sap was used to make syrup or sugar
Additional Notes
The Lakota name, "Cansuska" means crawling up and looking for sweet sap.