tree

Sensation Boxelder

Acer negundo 'Sensation'

 

 
Sensation Boxelder (Acer negundo 'Sensation') at Sherwood Nurseries

Sensation Boxelder foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Sensation Boxelder (Acer negundo 'Sensation') at Sherwood Nurseries

Sensation Boxelder

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  45 feet

Spread:  50 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  3a

Other Names:  Manitoba Maple

Description:

A fast-growing cultivar selected for its shapely growth habit and striking red fall color, very atypical of this species; a superb choice for a fall-coloring shade tree in tough northern locations

Ornamental Features

Sensation Boxelder has light green deciduous foliage on a tree with a round habit of growth. The compound leaves turn an outstanding antique red in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Sensation Boxelder is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This is a high maintenance tree that will require regular care and upkeep, and should only be pruned in summer after the leaves have fully developed, as it may 'bleed' sap if pruned in late winter or early spring. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Messy
  • Insects

Sensation Boxelder is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Shade

Planting & Growing

Sensation Boxelder will grow to be about 45 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 50 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 7 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Shade 
Applications
Fall Color 
Ornamental Features