Boxelder (species of Maple)
Acer negundo • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Commonly straight-grained with a fine, even texture; occasionally exhibits wavy or irregular growth rings. This specific sample displays a flat-sawn cathedral pattern near the bottom.
Color Description
Sapwood is pale white to yellowish-cream. Heartwood is grayish or yellowish brown, but frequently features distinctive raspberry-red streaks (flame boxelder) caused by a fungal response (Fusarium negundi).
Hardness Rating
720 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to rot and insect attack if not kept dry or treated.
Common Uses
Turned objects (bowls), decorative boxes, veneer, pulpwood, interior furniture parts, and novelty items highlighting the red staining.
Geographic Origin
Native to North America, widely distributed from the Eastern United States across to the Pacific coast.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot. Highly figured or intensely 'flamed' specimens can command higher prices from woodturners.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut (green) to slightly air-dried. The high contrast of the red pigment and lack of silvering suggests the wood was harvested within the last 12 months.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); very sustainable and widely available as it is often considered a weed tree or invasive in some regions.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Being soft, it can be prone to fuzzy grain if tools are not sharp. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Most notable for the bright red 'flamed' staining. It is a soft maple but technically a hardwood. Brittle branches and quick growth lead to frequent core rot in living trees.
Finish Recommendations
Clear coats such as lacquer, polyurethane, or shellac are recommended to preserve the red color. UV-inhibiting finishes are essential as the red staining fades to brown over time with light exposure.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of white-cream sapwood and the vivid, localized red/pinkish staining is a characteristic diagnostic feature of Acer negundo.