Quick answer: Boxelder (Acer negundo) is native to 16 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: CK Kelly, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Moist, high drought tolerance |
| Soil | Variable soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-Apr |
| Height | Up to 50 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Attracts birds, larval host for Cecropia silkmoth, special value to honey bees |
Spreads as "a weed tree" in the East despite being native to its natural range
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Boxelder
Where is Boxelder native?
Boxelder (Acer negundo) is native to 16 states across the Northeast, South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Boxelder bloom?
Boxelder blooms Mar-Apr. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Boxelder need?
Light: Sun. Water: Medium water, Moist, high drought tolerance. Soil: Variable soils. Mature height: Up to 50 ft tall.
Is Boxelder good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts birds, larval host for Cecropia silkmoth, special value to honey bees.
Is Boxelder deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Boxelder is drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy real Boxelder seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Acer negundo on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Boxelder.
- Sassafras Sassafras albidum
- Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata
- Blackjack oak Quercus marilandica
- Loblolly pine Pinus taeda
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Common persimmon Diospyros virginiana
Also listed under
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