please help id this tree.

[handsplitter]

I wasn’t on the site so didn’t see the leaves but it reminds me of the tree that has 3-leaf segments (like poison ivy is in three leafs). It is fairly light in weight for not being dead. Somewhat common in south central North Carolina.
At 1st I thought it was elm so I split 3 rounds it & it was SUPER easy to split, unlike any elm I have split so I ruled out elm (any elm that I have ever split).
I've always wondered what that 3-leaf tree was & so now I have good reason to know.
Thank you.

 

[Socratic Monologue]

Box elder (Acer negundo).

 

[handsplitter]

Yes, that is it. Thank you

from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_negundo : " The wood of box elder is soft and comparatively worthless for lumber. It has been used for household implements, handicrafts, barrels, and occasionally furniture. Like all maples, the sap of box elder can be tapped for syrup, but it is of poor quality and has a strong taste. "

So not a decent firewood I assume , which is what I always thought based on it light weight?



I did see on my wood chart the below:

​

Species​	Heat​	Weight*​	Ease Of Splitting​	Ease Of Starting​	Coaling Qualities​	Sparks​	Fragrance​
Maple, Soft	High-Medium​	2924​	Moderate​	Fair-Difficult​	Excellent​	Few​	Excellent​

But I see no reference in Wiki that another name for boxelder is "Soft Maple".



Would you guys burn this Box elder ( aka boxelder maple, ash-leaved maple, and maple ash) or toss it?



I've burnt plenty Sugar Maple & Silver maple, so I'm familiar with those.
Thank you.

 

[Socratic Monologue]

I burn it -- it dries quickly, and is good for starting fires or ramping up from coals. Bad for overnight burns, but I'm happy to have it.

I cut them all as fast as I can find them, since the box elder beetles that depend on the tree are a horrible nuisance around here.

 

[Woody Stover]

I think it will dry fast, and even medium-low BTU woods will make heat. Use it in the spring and fall, or split it small for fast-burning small starter splits or kindling. I like having a variety of wood types on hand.

 

[hickoryhoarder]

I would expect it to be like silver maple -- not one of my favorites. But it's wood.