Boxelder
Breaking leaf buds
One or more breaking leaf buds are visible (the green leaf tip is visible). This is before the first leaf has unfolded to expose the leaf base. Note the key is seeing the bud open Photo by JAS.
Increasing leaf size
Leaves have not yet reached full size (2-4” long). Photo by JAS.
Leaves
One or more live, unfolded leaves (the entire length has emerged from a bud, so that the leaf stalk or leaf base is visible). Photo by JAS.
Colored Leaves
One or more leaves show yellow or brown due to seasonal changes, drought or other stresses. Photo by JAS.
Flower or flower buds
One or more open or unopened flowers or buds are visible. Boxelder have separate male and female flowers on the same plant and typically bloom in June. Photo JAS.
Open flower
One or more open, fresh flowers are visible with reproductive parts (male stamens or female pistils) visible. In ash, flowers are open when they are open and loose. Photo JAS.
Fruit
One or more fruits are visible on the plant. In boxelder the fruit has two winged seeds that form a V-shape. They are initially green or reddish. Photo JAS.
Ripe fruit
One or more ripe fruits are visible on the plant. In boxelder, the fruit is ripe when it is tan/brown and readily drops when touched. Photo EO.