When does Acer negundo bloom?

Ash-leaf Maple blooms in March and April, producing small flowers that attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies.

Where is Acer negundo native?

Acer negundo is native to most U.S. states, ranging from coast to coast and found in diverse habitats from wetlands to dry uplands.

What growing conditions does Ash-leaf Maple prefer?

This adaptable tree tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels, making it suitable for many landscape situations.

What pollinators visit Acer negundo?

Ash-leaf Maple flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies during its early spring blooming period.

Is Ash-leaf Maple toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Ash-leaf Maple as toxic to livestock.

Is Ash-leaf Maple HOA-friendly?

Ash-leaf Maple takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Ash-leaf Maple

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Acer negundo

Last reviewed: July 2026

Acer negundo (Ash-leaf Maple) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native across most of North America, blooming in March and April. This adaptable maple tolerates various conditions and supports pollinators like bees, beetles, and flies.

Ash-leaf Maple (Acer negundo) — Photo: Agnieszka Kwiecień - Nova at pl.wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Ash-leaf Maple as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

240"–600" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

Ash-leaf maple is a fast-growing native tree with compound leaves that resemble those of ash trees. This adaptable species can reach 20-50 feet tall and wide, making it suitable for larger landscape areas where quick shade is desired.

Growing Ash-leaf Maple

Grow Ash-leaf Maple in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 600 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Ash-leaf Maple takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Often considered weedy due to aggressive self-seeding
Brittle wood prone to storm damage
Can look unkempt with irregular branching

Wildlife value

Host plant for Luna moth, Cecropia moth, Viceroy butterfly.

Early spring flowers provide nectar for bees, beetles, and flies when few other sources are available. The seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals.

Common questions

When does Acer negundo bloom?: Ash-leaf Maple blooms in March and April, producing small flowers that attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies.
Where is Acer negundo native?: Acer negundo is native to most U.S. states, ranging from coast to coast and found in diverse habitats from wetlands to dry uplands.
What growing conditions does Ash-leaf Maple prefer?: This adaptable tree tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels, making it suitable for many landscape situations.
What pollinators visit Acer negundo?: Ash-leaf Maple flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies during its early spring blooming period.
Is Ash-leaf Maple toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Ash-leaf Maple as toxic to livestock.
Is Ash-leaf Maple HOA-friendly?: Ash-leaf Maple takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Ash-leaf Maple? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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