Overview of Acer negundo L. var. interius (Britt.) Sarg.
Acer negundo L. var. interius (Britt.) Sarg. is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Sapindaceae. The tree is native to North America and can be found in different areas of the United States and Canada. The plant is commonly known as box elder, ash-leaved maple, Manitoba maple, and negundo maple.
Appearance
The box elder tree can grow up to 10-25 meters tall, and occasionally up to 35 meters. It has a spreading canopy with a trunk that measures approximately 50 centimeters in diameter. The bark of the tree is greyish-brown and smooth when young, but becomes darker and rougher as the tree ages. It has leaves with three to seven leaflets which are around 10-30 centimeters long.
Uses
The box elder tree has a history of medicinal uses, including the treatment of rheumatism and fever. The sap of the tree can also be used to make maple syrup and is edible. Additionally, the tree is commonly used as an ornamental plant in landscaping and gardens.
Aside from its ornamental and medicinal uses, the wood of the box elder tree is used for making furniture, crates, and pulp. The tree is also sometimes planted for its ability to tolerate harsh growing conditions, such as drought and salt spray.
Typical Growth Conditions for Acer Negundo L. var. Interius (Britt.) Sarg.
Acer Negundo L. var. Interius (Britt.) Sarg., commonly known as boxelder maple, is a deciduous tree that can grow up to a height of 60 to 70 feet and a width of 50 feet. It is a fast-growing tree and can live up to 100 years in optimal conditions. The tree is native to central and eastern North America and can be found in a wide range of environments.
Light Requirements
Acer Negundo L. var. Interius (Britt.) Sarg. prefers to grow in full sun or partial shade. In full sun, it can grow fast and develop a dense canopy, while in partial shade, it can grow taller and have a looser, more open canopy. The tree can tolerate some shade but will grow slower and have a less dense canopy in shaded conditions.
Temperature Tolerance
Acer Negundo L. var. Interius (Britt.) Sarg. can grow in a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate low winter temperatures as low as -20°F and high summer temperatures up to 100°F. However, it prefers a temperate climate and can suffer in extreme temperatures.
Soil Requirements
A well-drained loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for the growth and development of Acer Negundo L. var. Interius (Britt.) Sarg. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy, clay, or rocky soils, but cannot tolerate soils that are consistently waterlogged. A good soil fertility is necessary for optimum growth, but the tree can also grow in soils of low to moderate fertility.
Cultivation
Acer negundo L. var. interius (Britt.) Sarg. is a hardy tree species and can thrive in most soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. It also performs well in both acidic and alkaline soil pH levels.
Growers can propagate Acer negundo L. var. interius (Britt.) Sarg. through seed propagation or cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in late summer or early fall and placed in a well-draining potting mix, after which they should be kept moist and placed in bright, indirect light.
Watering
Acer negundo L. var. interius (Britt.) Sarg. requires regular watering, especially during the first few years of growth. During hot or dry periods, the tree should be watered thoroughly at least once a week. Watering should be reduced in the fall and winter, but the tree should not be allowed to dry out completely.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the proper growth and development of Acer negundo L. var. interius (Britt.) Sarg. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer should be applied once a year in early spring, just as new growth is emerging. Over-fertilization should be avoided, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and vulnerable branches.
Pruning
Acer negundo L. var. interius (Britt.) Sarg. responds well to pruning and can be shaped according to the desired look and size. Light pruning can be done in the spring to remove dead or damaged branches. Heavy pruning, like branch removal, should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Any pruning should be done with sterile pruning tools to avoid spreading disease.
Propagation of Acer negundo L. var. interius (Britt.) Sarg.
Acer negundo L. var. interius (Britt.) Sarg., commonly known as boxelder maple or ash-leaved maple, can be propagated through several methods. These include:
Seed Propagation
Boxelder maple seeds can be directly sown outdoors in the fall or early spring when the soil has warmed up. The seeds will germinate the following spring. To increase the germination rate, the seeds can be soaked in warm water for 24 hours or stratified in the refrigerator for 30-60 days before sowing.
Cuttings Propagation
Boxelder maple can be propagated through softwood or hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken in late spring or early summer and hardwood cuttings are taken in winter when the plant is dormant. The cuttings need to include a node and should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. They should be kept at a temperature of 60-70°F and kept moist until roots form in a few weeks to several months.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting can be used to propagate boxelder maple onto a rootstock of a related maple species. The scion, or the desired boxelder maple cultivar, is grafted onto the rootstock in the early spring. It is important to ensure that the cambium layers of the scion and rootstock match up, otherwise, the graft will not be successful. The graft union is then wrapped to keep it moist and held in place with grafting tape until it has fully healed.
Disease and Pest Management for Acer negundo L. var. interius (Britt.) Sarg.
Acer negundo L. var. interius (Britt.) Sarg. is commonly known as boxelder, and it is a deciduous tree that can be found in different parts of North America. Although it is generally healthy, the tree is prone to various pests and diseases that can affect its growth and viability.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that can affect boxelder is Verticillium wilt. This disease is caused by a fungus that can infect the tree's root system and cause damage to its vascular system. Symptoms of Verticillium wilt include wilting, leaf curling, and yellowing of leaves. To manage this disease, the infected parts of the tree should be removed and proper sanitation practices should be followed to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Boxelder can also be affected by powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves and other parts of the tree. This disease can be managed by regular pruning to promote air circulation and the use of fungicides.
Common Pests
Boxelder bugs are one of the common pests that can affect Acer negundo. These bugs are usually found on and around the tree, and they can cause damage by feeding on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the tree. To manage boxelder bugs, you can spray the tree with insecticides, or you can remove them manually using a vacuum cleaner or by knocking them off the tree and into a bucket of soapy water.
Boxelder can also be affected by spider mites, which are tiny insects that feed on the leaves of the tree. These pests can cause yellowing of leaves and can weaken the tree over time. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them.
Conclusion
Boxelder can be a beautiful and healthy tree, but it is prone to both pests and diseases that can affect its growth and viability. By following proper sanitation practices, regularly pruning and promoting air circulation, and using insecticides and fungicides as necessary, you can manage these issues and ensure the health and longevity of your boxelder tree.
