Boxelder, the only Texas maple with [compound] leaves, is a native of eastern and southern Texas to the lower Rio Blanco River. It is generally found on the banks of streams and lakes and the borders of swamps. It grows rapidly, making a quick shade, and is quite shapely. The branches are brittle and break easily. The tree is short-lived and rather subject to disease. It sometimes attains a height of 50 to 60 feet, with a trunk 2 feet in diameter, but is usually smaller.
BOXELDER (Leaf and [fruit], one-third natural size; twig, two-thirds natural size)
The [BARK] of the twigs is green; of the trunk grayish-brown, divided into broad, rounded ridges, and separating on the surface into short, thick [scales].
The LEAVES are [opposite], [compound], usually with 5 [leaflets], occasionally 3 or 7. The leaflets are 2 to 4 inches long, coarsely and irregularly toothed, light green above, paler beneath.
The tiny FLOWERS are borne in drooping clusters. The [FRUIT] is like that of the other maples, green, turning light tan when mature. Unlike the seeds of other maples, they cling until after the leaves are shed.
The WOOD is creamy-white, light, and soft and weak but close-grained. It is sometimes used in other states for the manufacture of low grade furniture and interior finish; it is also used for woodenware, cooperage, and paper pulp.
OHIO BUCKEYE
Aesculus glabra Willd.
Ohio buckeye occurs as far west as eastern Texas along streams in rich soils. Though often only a shrub, it becomes a medium-sized tree in rich alluvial bottoms. Its leaves and [fruit] are poisonous to stock.
The [BARK] is white and, on old trees, divided or broken into light brown flat [scales], which make the stems of the tree rough; the bark is ill-smelling when bruised.