Acer negundo californicum

California Box Elder is a deciduous tree, usually 30', possible to 50'. Native to the mountains of central and northern California. Acer negundo var. californicum has a bad rap because of the box elder bug, which on the worst of years is no big deal (unless you have bugaphobia). It's still one of the toughest shade trees around, fair fall color, excellent stream side stabilizer. This tree provides a very fast windbreak, needs moisture at first, then very drought resistant (has survived here on 5 inches of rainfall with one summer watering). It laughs at desert wind and heat. It was -20 F in another part of its range in 1990 with no problems. This tree will grow in gravel or adobe clay, but it is always growing near a water source. Most customers notice it and like it because the flowers look oriental or the seeds rustle. Common associated plants are Symphoricarpos albus (Snowberry), Rosa californica (California Rose), Rhamnus californica (Coffeeberry), Salix species (willow), Populus species (cottonwood), and Rubus ursinus (blackberry).