The boxelder is a medium-sized tree often attaining a height of 50-75 feet and having a diameter of 2-3 feet. The boxelder's range extends from New England to Florida, and west over much of the U.S. The tree typically grows in moist bottomlands, and along streams and the margins of ponds and swamps. Boxelder is a member of the maple family. The heartwood is yellowish brown, while the sapwood is greenish yellow to creamy white. Red streaks are composed of a pigment from a fungus. The wood is light, soft, porous, close-grained, and weak. It can contain a curly figure.

Boxelder is used for furniture, wooden ware, boxes, crates, wood pulp, charcoal, fuel, and cooperage.

Boxelder is workable with both hand tools and machine tools.