boxelder

This tree is called Acer negundo in the family of aceraceae:

I found it flowering in late winter, March 11, 2007 to be precise, by a swampy channel in Mule Jail.  The boxelder is a native of these United States and of Canada.  Quite successful and has a few variants, it is this tree that produces the "helicopter" seed pods that are so much fun to play with as a child or if no one is looking.