Acer negundo ‘Violaceum’ (Lavender-Twigged Box Elder)
Acer negundo ‘Violaceum’ (Lavender-Twigged Box Elder)
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Acer negundo ‘Violaceum’ is a distinctive deciduous maple valued for its violet-purple young shoots and long, pendulous flower tassels in rich pink, red and burgundy tones. Copper-green spring foliage emerges with prominent purple veins, develops into deep green compound leaves and finishes with a golden-yellow display in autumn. Its upright habit gradually forms a dense, rounded canopy that provides generous seasonal shade and visual impact.
Fast-growing, hardy and adaptable, ‘Violaceum’ is an excellent specimen or shade tree for spacious gardens, parks, avenues and urban landscapes. It tolerates frost, coastal exposure, pollution and a wide range of soil conditions, making it a dependable choice where a colourful medium-sized tree is required. Box Elder can naturalise in parts of southeastern Australia, so it should not be planted near bushland or waterways, and local planting requirements should be checked before purchase.
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Mature height
Approximately 8–10 metres
Mature width
Approximately 4–6 metres.
Spacing
Approximately 5–7 metres apart, allowing sufficient room for canopy and root development.
Evergreen/Deciduous
Deciduous
Foliage
Violet-purple young shoots; copper-green spring foliage with purple veins; mature deep-green foliage; golden-yellow autumn colour; pink, red and burgundy flowers.
Flowering Period & Fruit Development/Harvest
Pendulous pink, red or burgundy flower tassels appear from late winter through spring. Female plants may subsequently produce clusters of winged samaras.
Sun tolerance
Full sun to partial shade. Best flowering and autumn colour occur in full sun.
Maintenance
Low to moderate. Water deeply during establishment, mulch around the root zone and undertake formative pruning while young. Remove weak, crossing, damaged or unwanted shoots during winter and monitor for self-seeded plants.
Root System
brous, shallow and widely spreading, with moderately invasive potential. Allow generous clearance from paving, foundations, drains and underground services.