The tree is sometimes listed in catalogs as Ash-Leafed Maple and the numerous, attractive seeds are very popular with squirrels. Fall color can be vivid yellow in the north to muted orange-brown in the southern part of its range. There is occasional good fall color in the south. A nice plant for naturalized areas, particularly if the soil is wet, or the pH is alkaline. Plants are also highly drought tolerant. It is probably best used in these areas to help stabilize stream beds and colonize reclaimed land. In regions where many other trees can grow, it is usually not recommended as a street tree due to its weak structure but has been used as such in the drier portions of the continent. Where few other trees can grow, many people consider this a suitable trees for planting. Trees compartmentalize decay poorly and often become hollow as they age especially if they are pruned inappropriately.

Prune early in the life of the tree to develop several major branches well-spaced along a central trunk. This will improve the durability of the tree compared to trees with many upright and spreading branches originating from one point on the trunk. Female trees develop many fruit that hang on the tree through winter.

The wood is considered diffuse porous which means that there is little difference in size between the spring wood pores and the summer wood pores. Pollen from male trees can cause significant allergy problems for some people; females generate no pollen.

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