Origin
Acer negundo L. ssp. latifolium (Pax) Schwerin, commonly known as Boxelder Maple or Manitoba Maple, is a species of plant native to North America.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Boxelder Maple or Manitoba Maple in North America.
Uses
The Boxelder Maple tree has a variety of uses. It is commonly used for firewood, landscape trees, and also as a shade tree. The tree has a shallow root system and is resistant to drought and pests, making it a popular choice for landscaping projects. The tree is also attractive to birds and other wildlife, making it a popular choice for backyard birders. The sap of the plant can also be used to make maple syrup, although it is not as highly prized as that of the sugar maple.
General Appearance
The Boxelder Maple tree is a fast-growing deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 25 meters. The tree's leaves are typically three-lobed and can be up to 15 cm long and 20 cm wide. The leaves are green in the summer, turning yellow in the fall. The tree's bark is gray-brown and relatively smooth, with shallow ridges and furrows. The tree produces flowers and small, winged seeds in the spring, which are commonly referred to as "helicopters" due to their spiral flight pattern when falling to the ground.
Light Requirements
Acer negundo L. ssp. latifolium requires full sunlight to grow. It can also tolerate partial shade, but it may result in a less vigorous growth and lower foliage quality. The plant thrives in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the Acer negundo L. ssp. latifolium plant is between 60°F and 80°F (15.6°C and 26.7°C). It can withstand winter temperatures as low as -20°F (-28.9°C) and summer temperatures as high as 100°F (37.8°C).
Soil Requirements
The Acer negundo L. ssp. latifolium plant grows best in well-drained, fertile soils. It prefers soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, sandy, and loamy soils. It is generally adapted to moist soils, but it can withstand temporary drought conditions once established. It is important to avoid planting in areas where the soil may become waterlogged, as this may lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods:
Acer negundo L. ssp. latifolium (Pax) Schwerin, commonly known as Box Elder, prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but prefers moist, well-drained soils. It is highly adaptable and can grow in various soil textures, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. The plant is propagated mainly through seeds and cuttings. The seeds should be collected in the fall and stored in the refrigerator before sowing in the spring. The cuttings should be taken in the summer and planted outside in a moist, shaded area.
Watering Needs:
Box Elders require moderate watering, especially during the first few years of growth. Water the newly planted trees deeply every week and gradually reduce the watering as the plant matures. Mature trees can tolerate drought conditions but should still receive sufficient irrigation during extended periods of hot and dry weather. Watering should be done in the early morning to avoid evaporation and fungal growth.
Fertilization:
Box elders benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. The fertilizer should be applied in early spring, just as new growth begins, and again in early summer. The amount of fertilizer needed depends on the size and age of the plant, as well as the soil type and weather conditions.
Pruning:
Pruning is essential to maintain the health and appearance of Box Elder trees. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, before the new leaves emerge. Dead, diseased, or broken branches should be removed as soon as possible, as they can attract pests and diseases. Pruning should also be done to maintain the shape and size of the tree. The lower branches of the plant should be trimmed to allow light and air to penetrate, and the tree's canopy should be thinned to ensure that the branches do not become too heavy and break. When pruning, it is crucial to use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the tree's bark and spreading diseases.
Propagation of Acer negundo L. ssp. latifolium (Pax) Schwerin
Acer negundo L. ssp. latifolium (Pax) Schwerin, commonly known as box elder, is a deciduous tree native to North America. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods:
Seed propagation
One of the most common methods to propagate box elder is through seeds. Box elder produces samaras - winged seeds - that are dispersed by wind. The samaras can be collected in the fall and stored in a cool and dry place until spring when they can be sown directly into the ground. Alternatively, the samaras can be stratified for 60-90 days to break seed dormancy and increase the germination rate.
Cuttings propagation
Another way to propagate box elder is through hardwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings are taken in late fall or early winter when the tree is dormant. Cuttings should be taken from previous year's growth, around 20-30 cm long, and should have at least three nodes. The cuttings are then dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mixture. They should be kept in a warm and humid area until new growth appears.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is a more advanced propagation method that requires some expertise. It involves joining a scion - a piece of the desired plant variety - to a rootstock of a closely related plant. Grafting can be used to propagate cultivars of box elder with desirable traits or to ensure consistent plant quality. The best time to graft box elder is in early spring before bud break.
Disease and Pest Management for Acer negundo L. ssp. latifolium (Pax) Schwerin
Acer negundo L. ssp. latifolium (Pax) Schwerin, also known as the boxelder tree, is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, certain environmental conditions can make it susceptible to various health problems. Therefore, here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Acer negundo and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Verticillium Wilt: This fungal disease is caused by Verticillium dahliae and Verticillium albo-atrum. Symptoms may include yellowing and wilting leaves, defoliation, and branch dieback. Management strategies include proper tree care (such as watering and fertilizing), pruning to reduce the infected parts, and soil fumigation in severe cases.
Canker Diseases: Canker diseases are a group of fungal infections that cause lesions on the tree bark, leading to dieback or death of twigs and branches. Trees under stress, injury, or poor pruning practices are most susceptible to canker diseases. Removal of infected branches and proper tree care are effective methods for controlling canker diseases.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, causing brown spots and necrosis. Under severe conditions, the infection can lead to defoliation and reduced tree vigor. Chemical control using fungicides may be necessary in severe cases. Cultural control measures such as pruning to increase air circulation, proper irrigation, and raking and disposing of infected leaves can also help reduce the disease.
Common Pests
Boxelder Bugs: Boxelder bugs are common pests that feed on Acer negundo's leaves, flowers, and seeds and can cause defoliation and stunted growth. Cultural control methods such as pruning and destroying overwintering sites, laundering clothes, and vacuuming, can help manage boxelder bugs. Insecticidal soap or horticulture oil applications can also be an effective way of controlling these pests.
Gall Mites: Gall mites can cause small bumps or blisters on the tree leaves, which can deform and curl the leaves. Regular pruning of infected branches, and application of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, are effective control measures for gall mites.
Skeletonizers: Skeletonizers are larval insects that feed on the tree leaves and can strip the tree of all its foliage. The use of horticultural oil or insecticidal soap is recommended for controlling skeletonizers. Proper tree care, such as regular pruning and removal of any infected plant debris, can prevent future infestations.
In conclusion, managing pests and diseases that may affect Acer negundo involves practicing preventative measures such as proper tree care, pruning, and removal of infected parts. It is also essential to monitor the tree regularly to detect any signs of infection, and to take appropriate action promptly to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
