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Plants that fill a similar niche:
Hamamelis virginiana Leaves
Ilex verticillata ilex verticillata fruit and leaves
Ilex vomitoria Ilex vomitoria
Acer negundo 'Winter Lightning' has some common insect problems:
Common Insect Pests of Maple in North Carolina
Acer negundo 'Winter Lightning' has some common disease problems:
Common Disease Pests of Maple in North Carolina

Acer negundo 'Winter Lightning'

Phonetic Spelling
AY-ser neg-UN-doh
Description

Yellow-twigged Box Elder is a deciduous small tree or large shrub in the Sapindaceae (soapberry) family with showy yellow twigs.  This makes the tree especially interesting in the fall and winter when it loses its leaves. 

Plant in the full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil.  Plant in groups to form a hedgerow or screen or use it in a small space as a shade tree.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Aphids and horse chestnut scale are occasional insect problems. Powdery mildew and verticillium wilt are occasionally disease issues. See potential insect and disease problem fact sheets to the left.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common maple diseases and insect pests.

More information on Acer negundo.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Xeric Garden
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#small tree#winter interest#fall interest#fast growing#large shrub#pollinator plant#yellow stems#deciduous tree#nectar plant spring#fall color yellow#humidity tolerant#bee friendly#hedge#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#small tree#winter interest#fall interest#fast growing#large shrub#pollinator plant#yellow stems#deciduous tree#nectar plant spring#fall color yellow#humidity tolerant#bee friendly#hedge#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Acer
    Species:
    negundo
    Family:
    Sapindaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Wildlife Value:
    Flowers are pollinated by bees.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 20 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 15 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Samara
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Description:
    Small creamy yellow-green flowers in the spring
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Light green pinnately compound leaves (3-9 leaflets). Bright yellow fall color
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Showy yellow stems make attractive backdrop in a winter landscape.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Small Space
    Landscape Theme:
    Fairy Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Hedge
    Screen/Privacy
    Small groups
    Small Tree
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Humidity