Wood: Light weight, soft, close-grained, white.
Uses: Paper pulp, interior finishing, furniture.
Habitat: Moist woods.
Range: Vermont across to Saskatchewan, south to Texas, east to Florida.
Distinguishing Features: The Box Elder most nearly resembles ashes, but differs by its green or glaucous twigs and its paired fruits.
BLACK MAPLE
Acer nigrum Michx.
Growth Form: Medium tree up to 65 feet tall; trunk diameter up to 2½ feet; crown broad, with several upright branches.
Bark: Dark brown to black, smooth when young, soon becoming furrowed and scaly.
Twigs: Slender, brown, smooth, often with pale lenticels; leaf scars opposite, U-shaped, with 3-7 bundle traces.