Boxelder
The box elder is a species of maple native to North America.
It is a fast-growing and fairly short-lived tree that grows up to 10–25 meters (35–80 feet) tall
The typical lifespan of a box elder is 60 - 75 years. Under exceptionally favorable conditions, it may live to 100 years.
The yellow-green flowers are small and appear in early spring.
This species prefers bright sunlight. It often grows on flood plains and other disturbed areas with ample water supply, such as riparian habitats.
Several birds and some squirrels feed on the seeds. The evening grosbeak uses them extensively.
It has been used by Native Americans for several medicinal purposes. The Cheyenne burn the wood as incense for making spiritual medicines, and during Sun Dance ceremonies. The Meskwaki use a decoction of the inner bark as an emetic, and the Ojibwa use an infusion of the inner bark for the same purpose.