box elder, Acer negundo

Maples, including box elder, reduce things to a pretty basic level. You might say they're minimalists in the process of reproduction. No petals. A calyx you can barely notice. Nothing at all to attract attention from the animal kingdom (except an occasional photographer). Just let it all hang out and a passing breeze will do the job. Apparently this kind of minimalism can be a very satisfying way of life. Box elder started out in our east and now grows in every state and province except AK, HI, NF, LB, and YT, and almost everywhere else around the world. Lenawee Co MI, 4/30/13.