Boxelder

The Boxelder is actually a fast-growing maple tree. And although drought resistant and very adaptable, Boxelders do not have a lot of ornamental appeals to homeowners. The wood of Boxelders is soft and has no commercial value, telling us that it usually grows on river banks or near water in the wild. These trees help to shelter wildlife and stabilize stream banks, however, in urban areas, they are considered a type of weed. Boxelders are commonly known for the boxelder bug and while it does no harm to the tree, it is one of the most common household pests in the US as it emits a foul odor, stains fabric and can cause asthmatic reactions. The best place to plant this tree is on poor sites where more desirable trees cannot maintain adequate health for long life, like on treeless plains.