Boxelder, Sensation Acer negundo 'Sensation' Height: 30 feet Spread: 25 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 3a Other Names: Manitoba Maple Description: A fast-growing cultivar selected for its shapely growth habit and striking red fall color, very atypical of this species; a superb choice for a fall-coloring shade tree in tough northern locations Ornamental Features Boxelder, Sensation has light green deciduous foliage on a tree with a round habit of growth. The compound leaves turn an outstanding antique red in the fall. However, the fruit can be messy in the landscape and may require occasional clean-up. Landscape Attributes Boxelder, Sensation is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage. This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It has no significant negative characteristics. Boxelder, Sensation is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Boxelder, Sensation will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 25 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 7 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more. This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species. Special Attributes They have samaras (helicopters), that hang in long, chain like clusters and stay on the tree throughout winter. Box Elder Trees (Acer) are not toxic to humans or pets, but the seeds are toxic Horses. Reference; PennState Extenion.
