Box elder and Red maple are often considered for the same spot in the garden (shade, specimen). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Acer negundo 6 m × 4.5 m after 10 years
A very fast-growing, undemanding maple from North America with compound, ash-like leaves. Nurseries mostly sell its variegated forms (such as…
Acer rubrum 6 m × 4 m after 10 years
A medium-sized shade tree with a dense crown, grown for its fiery orange-red autumn foliage; in early spring small red flowers cover the bare twigs.…
Box elder: We do not recommend it because it is on the EU or the Hungarian list of invasive species.
Red maple needs less care than Box elder.
Red maple is cheaper: about €29 at the size usually planted, against about €45 for Box elder.
|
Feature
|
Box elder
|
Red maple
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Large tree | Large tree |
| Size after 10 years | 6 m × 4.5 m | 6 m × 4 m |
| Ultimate size | 5–20 m × 4–15 m | 12–25 m × 9–15 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | March–April, green, yellow | March–April, red |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Planting distance | 600 cm | 800 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Non-toxic |
| For cats | no data | Non-toxic |
| For children | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €45 | approx. €29 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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