Acer negundo 'WINTER LIGHTNING'

Winter Lightning is a cultivar of box elder, valued above all for its striking yellow twigs in winter, which stand out against the gray trunks and bare branches of other dormant trees. It is a medium-sized, deciduous tree with pinnate leaves that emerge in spring a fresh yellow, soon after shifting to chartreuse, and in summer they turn green. In autumn they take on glowing tones of golden and amber orange. The leaves are usually composed of five leaflets with pink stalks, ovate to lanceolate, 5–10 cm long, with irregular serrations along the margins or just a few notches, occasionally even entire – yes, a bit of a rascal. Their texture is light and relaxed, which is in fact one of the main reasons for the popularity of the box elder as a species. The species itself is native to North America, where it grows along rivers and in lowlands from Canada to Mexico. It was introduced to Europe as early as the 17th century and is now known as a fast-growing, adaptable tree, often planted in parks and urban greenery. The species produces abundant viable seeds, often spreading where it is not wanted – I did mention it’s a rascal – but modern cultivars are trouble-free or sterile.

The cultivar ‘Winter Lightning’ is most likely a selection taken from the species after a colour mutation, but no precise record of its origin or registration exists. It is assumed to have come from American nurseries, which in the second half of the 20th century introduced a number of new maples, including the famous Princeton Nurseries in New Jersey. It first appeared in American nursery catalogues in the late 1980s, from where it spread to Europe in the 1990s and soon received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). And that is crucial, because this award could ONLY have been given if it were a sterile male clone that poses no invasive risk, so this one is not such a rascal after all.

Winter Lightning usually grows to a height of 6–8 meters, with a canopy spread of 4–6 meters in a somewhat irregular globose or dome shape. Thanks to these proportions it is well suited to medium-sized gardens, where it has enough space to show off its winter effect. It looks best as a specimen tree or in a small group, always with sufficient spacing. It stands out especially against dark backgrounds such as an evergreen hedge or darker conifers, where its yellow branches literally shine in winter. Older trees develop strong trunks with attractive texture. It also works well in contrast with trees that display red tones in summer or autumn and have a different habit, creating both colour and structural harmony. Thanks to its medium size and undemanding nature, it is also suitable for urban gardens, where it brings light and color.

Boxelder maple requires virtually no maintenance. It is resistant to severe frost, wind, drought and temporary waterlogging. It is not prone to diseases and thrives in full sun as well as partial shade. It performs best in deeper, moist but well drained soils, yet it also tolerates drier sites and urban conditions. During the first three years after planting, the tree must be firmly staked to ensure proper anchorage and straight trunk development. During this period, grass and other plants should not be allowed to grow above the root zone. Pruning is not necessary, but it is possible, ideally in late winter before sap flow begins. Trees or shrubs subjected to regular renewal pruning develop dense branching with large leaves, enhancing their ornamental value. Frost hardiness is excellent, tolerating temperatures down to approximately −45 °C (USDA zone 2).

Last update 05-10-2025