Acer negundo var. violaceum

Description: Acer is derived from a Latin word meaning sharp, which refers to the hardness of the wood. Negundo comes from the Sanskrit name for Vitex negundo, which has leaves resembling those of A. negundo. Very nice plant.

Botanical Name: Acer negundo

Common Name: purpleleaf boxelder, ashleaf maple

Family: Aceraceae

Height: 10 metres.

Width: 7 metres.

Foliage: Pinnate leaves with five- to seven coppery-green leaflets becoming greener as they mature and burgundy venation .

Flower: Dense clusters of flowers with long pendulous stamens with pinkish-red filaments on the bare branches in winter on male plants.

Bark: Dark greyish-brown. Younger branches become purplish black after being purplish with a waxy, white bloom when new.

Tolerances: Very hardy. Will thrive in a wide range of soil conditions, wet or dry, of varied pH levels (tolerates alkaline soils) and some coastal areas. During juvenile stages of growth, young branches may be susceptible to wind damage. Transplants easily.

Light: Best when grown in full sun. Fallen leaves quickly disintegrate and rarely require cleaning up.