Acer negundo var. violaceum
box elder
A medium-sized, bushy-headed, deciduous tree. Young shoots are a purple colour and are covered in a white bloom. Leaves, comprised of 5-7 leaflets, emerge bronze-green becoming greener as they mature. In spring, male plants bear prominent pink-purple, tassel-like flowers
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Purple | Bronze Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Bronze Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Acer can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with paired, often palmately-lobed leaves and small flowers followed by characteristic winged fruits. Many have fine autumn colour, and some have ornamental stems
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a moist but well-drained soil
Propagation
Propagate by seed or grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus
Get involved
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