Boxelder - Box Elder - Acer negundo

Both variations of the name are correct. I use boxelder. The botanical name is Acer negundo. Boxelder is in the maple family. It is considered an invasive species in some areas. The lumber is not prized for construction or furniture but many woodturners love it, primarily when it is streaked with pink. I have made a number of small to medium sized bowls out of boxelder over the years, I particularly like boxelder burl.

The pink comes from the tree trying to heal itself from some injury. It is the tree’s own medicine. You often see it near boxelder beetle holes and in burls. The beetles do not kill the tree but do feed on it. The wood turns like other maples and can be polished to a fine patina. It’s not quite as hard or heavy as southern maple.

Below are a few examples of boxelder bowls: