Acer negundo Variegatum (Variegated Box Elder)

Noted for its spectacular variegated foliage, Acer negundo ‘Variegatum’ (Variegated Box Elder) is a large deciduous tree of upright habit with a luminous rounded canopy. The pinnately compound leaves are composed of 3-7 leaflets in a lovely combination of green and creamy-white.

Noted for its spectacular variegated foliage, Acer negundo 'Variegatum' (Variegated Box Elder) is a large deciduous tree of upright habit with a luminous rounded canopy. The pinnately compound leaves are composed of 3-7 leaflets in a lovely combination of green and creamy-white. In spring, it produces pendulous racemes that are followed by large dangling clusters of sterile, white samaras. A fast-grower, it is more ornamental than the species but still share a few undesirable characteristics: brittle and weak wood, short life, susceptibility to boxelder bug, and trunk decay. 

  • Grows up to 40-50 ft. tall (12-15 m) and 25-35 ft. wide (7-10 m).
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, well-drained soils.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant in cottage gardens, city gardens, coastal gardens.
  • Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots. Remove any shoots with green leaves.
  • May be affected by scale insects, aphids, verticillium wilt.
  • Propagate by grafting in late winter.
  • Find where Acer negundo species is invasive in the United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 8

Heat Zones 3
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Acer – Maples
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 40'
– 50'
(12m
– 15m)
Spread 25'
– 35'
(7.5m
– 10.5m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage