Boxelders (also called "box elder trees," "boxelder maples," etc.) are really a type of maple tree. Steve Nix says that, like silver maple trees, boxelders have weak wood, which may make them undesirable to some homeowners. If you'd like to learn more, read the full article on boxelders from About's Forestry Guide.
A more attractive look than what the species plant offers is the Flamingo boxelder (Acer negundo 'Flamingo'). Like Flamingo Japanese willow, the cultivar name says it all: this plant has pink in its leaves!
Wondering about the meaning behind the name, "boxelders?" According to the Ohio State Extension, "It is likely that the common name, 'boxelder' refers to the use of the softwood in box making." Note that the Latin name for boxelders is Acer negundo, whereas the true elder, whose fruits yield elderberry wine, is classified as Sambucus canadensis. Despite owning a similar-sounding common name, "alder" trees (genus Alnus) have nothing to do either with elderberry trees or boxelders.
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