Box Elder
Acer negundo · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- North America, widely distributed from southern Canada to Central America.
- Hardness
- 720 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable; susceptible to rot, decay, and insect attack if left exposed to the elements.
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Grain Pattern
Straight, fine, and even texture. Occasional burl or irregular patterns near branch junctions, with pith areas showing distinctive red staining (Fusarium negundi fungus).
Color & Appearance
Sapwood is pale white to yellowish-gray. Heartwood is light brown, but most prized for secondary red or pinkish-purple streaks. Color fades to brown or gray upon exposure to UV light.
Hardness (Janka)
720 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; susceptible to rot, decay, and insect attack if left exposed to the elements.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 - $6.00 per board foot for dimensional lumber; highly figured or red-stained bowl blanks may command higher prices.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut (green) log sections, likely felled within the last 1-3 months based on moist end-grain and lack of checking.
- Sustainability Status
- Not threatened; IUCN Least Concern. Not listed in CITES appendices. Frequently considered a weedy species in urban environments.
Common Uses
Turning, bowls, decorative boxes, small specialty items, electric guitar tops (when figured or stained), and firewood.
Geographic Origin
North America, widely distributed from southern Canada to Central America.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Fairly soft for a hardwood, it glues and finishes well but can be prone to fuzzy grain if tools are not sharp.
Finish Recommendations
Film-building finishes like lacquer or polyurethane are recommended to preserve the red color, though UV inhibitors are necessary to prevent fading.
Notable Features
Often features dramatic red staining caused by the tree's reaction to a fungal infection. It is technically a species of maple but much softer than Sugar Maple.
