The undersides are very white or silvery which fades somewhat over the summer season. Terminal BUDS are a bit longer but still blunt. BUDS on young trees is silvery smooth but becomes very shaggy on older trees. However, the root systems seek out rich water sources, which often ends up being sewer lines and drain-fields. The tree has weak wood and is prone to ice and storm damage.
BUDS are roundish.
Boxelder has male and female trees. The females will often retain some of the helicopters into the winter. The firm BARK is a warm brown and becomes ridged fairly early. In the fall, the tree is associated with infestations of boxelder bugs. They are harmless but are not usually welcome when they invade basements.