The California Box Elder is a fast grower to 50 ft.  It has shallow lobed leaves  light green with a velvety texture.The leaves turn yellow in the fall.  This species tolerates wind and heat  although it is usually found near a water source.  Greenish yellow flowers appear in pendant clusters in spring and interesting seed pods provide a pleasant rustle in the breeze. Select a male tree if you might be offended by the mess of the flowers or seed clusters. This is a good shade tree for those difficult corners of the landscape where other trees are hard to grow and where sufficient water can be provided.