Acer Negundo 'Sensation' (Sterile)

Sensation Box Elder Maple / Sensation Box Elder

Botanical Name: Acer negundo ‘Sensation’ (sterile)
Family: Sapindaceae
Origin: North America (species); sterile cultivar selection
Plant Type: Deciduous tree

Overview

‘Sensation’ is a fast, durable maple with a broad oval crown and reliable orange-red autumn colour even in warmer districts. The seedless (sterile) selection means minimal nuisance samaras. A great feature or avenue tree for temperate SA gardens.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 8-12 m H x 6-8 m W (canopy broadens with age)
• Growth Rate: 60-90 cm per year under good conditions (fast)
• Foliage: Green, pinnate leaves (box-elder type) turning orange-red in autumn
• Flowers: SInconspicuous; seedless/sterile selection
• Seasonal Interest: Dense summer shade; vivid autumn colour
• Wildlife Value: Canopy and nesting habitat for birds
• Tolerance: Frost Hardy; Heat-Tolerant; Wind-Tolerant; Drought-Tolerant (once established); Clay-Tolerant (well-drained)
• Planting Density: 6–8 m apart (≈1 tree per 36–64 m²), depending on mature canopy
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats & dogs. Horse note: Seeds from some maples can be harmful to horses; this sterile selection produces little to no seed, but as a precaution avoid grazing horses under any maple canopy.

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or clay loam
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); seldom in winter unless dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; structural prune when young to build a strong frame; minimal fruit drop due to sterility
• Lifespan: 25-50+ years in good conditions
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate SA; away from frontline coastal salt
• Soil pH: Neutral (adaptable; tolerates slightly alkaline)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Feature/statement tree for lawn or verge
• Avenue/driveway planting
• Shade tree near outdoor living (allow canopy space)

Why You Will Love It

Fast, tough and colourful in autumn—‘Sensation’ gives classic maple shade with far less mess thanks to its sterile habit.