Box Elder is the only maple with compound leaves, giving it an unusual appearance among its relatives. It grows rapidly in disturbed areas, floodplains, and along streams across much of North America. Its prolific winged seeds feed evening grosbeaks, finches, and many small mammals through winter.
Best time to see a Box Elder
The best time to see a Box Elder is March–June, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 89,971 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Box Elder? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Box Elder sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Box Elder?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.