treeN. America Native

Sensation Boxelder

Acer negundo 'Sensation'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

480 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Medium-lived tree

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Seeds are toxic to horses

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer negundo, the Boxelder, is a fast-growing, exceptionally tough and adaptable North American native maple. The species is often considered a weedy tree due to brittle wood and prolific self-seeding. 'Sensation' is a vastly superior male cultivar, selected for its stronger wood, more uniform oval shape, and stunning orange-red to red fall color. As a male clone, it does not produce messy seeds.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Sensation' transforms the often-maligned Boxelder into a respectable landscape tree, offering a dense canopy of shade and a reliable, brilliant display of red fall color.

Its extreme toughness and adaptability to drought, poor soil, and urban conditions make it a valuable, fast-growing shade tree for difficult planting sites where more desirable trees might fail.

As a North American native, it supports various insects. Its dense canopy provides shelter and nesting sites for birds. Being a male clone, it produces pollen for early-season bees.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full sun for best growth and fall color.
Tolerates a wide range of soils, from clay to sand.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring it is straight.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
Mulch around the base, but not touching the trunk.

Pro Tip

An excellent choice for challenging urban or prairie sites where other trees struggle, providing rapid shade and reliable fall color.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly for the first season to establish roots.
Prune in dormancy to develop a strong structure.
Provide ample space for its mature size.

Don't

Don't plant the species Acer negundo unless you want seeds and weak branches.
Avoid planting in very small yards due to its fast growth and size.
Do not damage the bark with mowers or string trimmers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tough shade tree for difficult sitesFast-growing screen or windbreakVibrant fall color specimen

Companion Plants

Panicum virgatum Rudbeckia hirta Echinacea purpurea Quercus macrocarpa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sensation Boxelder questions

What zones can Sensation Boxelder grow in?

Sensation Boxelder is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Sensation Boxelder deer resistant?

Yes — Sensation Boxelder is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Sensation Boxelder bloom?

Sensation Boxelder typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sensation Boxelder need full sun?

Sensation Boxelder does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Sensation Boxelder drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sensation Boxelder handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.