Boxelder

Invasive plants – what are they and how dangerous are they to humans and the environment? "An alien invasive species is an alien species whose introduction and spread threaten ecosystems or species and cause economic or environmental damage."

In other words, these are alien organisms, representatives of the plant world, whose spread and numbers pose a threat to the life or health of citizens.

Invasive alien species are considered one of the main threats not only to biodiversity; their expansion leads to serious ecological, social, and economic consequences. One of the striking examples of invasive alien species in Europe is giant hogweeds, among which Sosnowsky's hogweed is the most dangerous invasive plant species in Belarus... But today, the information is about another invasive plant.  

BOX ELDER – is very active and mobile, has a high growth rate, and is resistant to air pollution. It turned out that its fallen leaves are so caustic that they displace oak groves. It settles in the vicinity of cities and towns, initially in disturbed areas, but soon penetrates natural communities. The dispersal process is relatively fast, as it enters the fruiting stage at the age of 6-7 years, and its generational turnover is faster than that of other tree species.

In urban conditions, it is a malicious woody weed. The pollen of male box elder specimens is a strong allergen; during the spring flowering period, the wind carries it over long distances, and its presence in the air causes pollinosis in humans (a disease called "hay fever"). Scientists know that with good wind, maple seeds, resembling small helicopters in flight, can fly more than a kilometer away from their parent tree. According to research, it is a carcinogen. The leaves emit an unpleasant odor when rubbed.

Do not allow the appearance and reproduction of this plant on your plots!