Overview:
Acer negundo L. var. negundo, commonly known as boxelder, is a fast-growing deciduous tree belonging to the family Sapindaceae. It is native to North America, including parts of Canada and the United States. The tree is widely recognized for its ability to adapt to various environmental conditions, making it a popular choice for landscaping and shade purposes.
Description:
The boxelder tree can grow up to 80 feet tall, but it typically reaches a height of 35-50 feet. It has a moderate lifespan of 75-100 years. The leaves are palmately compound, with three to seven leaflets that are in a V-shaped formation. The bark is gray-brown with shallow fissures. In the spring, the tree produces small, bright yellow-green flowers in clusters. The fruit is a samara, which is a winged seed that is dispersed by the wind.
Uses:
The boxelder tree has multiple uses. Historically, Native Americans used the sap from the tree to make syrup and sugar. Today, the tree is primarily used for ornamental purposes, such as providing shade and adding aesthetic value to lawns and parks. The wood from the tree is soft and not as durable as other hardwoods, so it is not commonly used for lumber or woodworking projects.
Common Names:
The boxelder tree has several common names, including ash-leaved maple, Manitoba maple, and western boxelder. The name boxelder stems from the practice of using the wood from the tree to make wooden boxes and crates.
Growth Conditions for Acer negundo L. var. negundo
Acer negundo L. var. negundo, commonly known as the boxelder maple, is a deciduous tree that can be found in various locations throughout North America. This tree species can grow up to 70 feet tall and spread up to 50 feet wide at maturity. Understanding the growth conditions required for Acer negundo L. var. negundo is essential to promote maximum growth and development. The following are some typical growth conditions for this species.
Light Requirements
Acer negundo L. var. negundo grows well in full sun to partial shade conditions. These trees prefer locations where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If grown in full shade, the tree may become weak, spindly, and susceptible to disease.
Temperature Range
Acer negundo L. var. negundo has a wide temperature range for growth and development. This tree species can tolerate temperatures from -50F to 110F. However, it grows best in a temperature range of 60F to 80F. The plant goes dormant during winter and requires chilling hours to break its dormancy before spring growth.
Soil Requirements
Acer negundo L. var. negundo grows well in moist, well-drained soils. This species can tolerate a broad range of soils, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, the tree prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. Too much moisture or standing water around the roots could cause root rot, so ensuring adequate drainage is crucial for its growth.
Cultivation Methods for Acer negundo L. var. negundo
When it comes to the cultivation of Acer negundo L. var. negundo, it is essential to remember that it can grow in USDA zones 2 through 10 and prefers to grow in soils that are well-drained and have a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It can thrive in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings, but it is more successful when done through cuttings.
Watering Needs for Acer negundo L. var. negundo
To ensure that your Acer negundo L. var. negundo plant grows healthily, you should water it regularly. The amount of water it needs will depend on various factors, including the weather conditions, the soil type, and the size of the plant. Generally, it is best to water the plant deeply and less frequently rather than frequently and shallowly. Additionally, you should avoid watering the foliage and instead water the soil directly.
Fertilization for Acer negundo L. var. negundo
The Acer negundo L. var. negundo plant typically does not require a lot of fertilization. However, if you notice that the plant has stunted growth or is showing signs of nutrient deficiency, you should consider fertilizing it. Organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, are excellent options. You can also use chemical fertilizers, but make sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning for Acer negundo L. var. negundo
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and health of your Acer negundo L. var. negundo plant. It is best to prune it in the late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. You should remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches. Additionally, you can prune the plant to promote better air circulation and maintain its shape. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant's total growth in one pruning session.
Propagation of Acer negundo L. var. negundo
Acer negundo L. var. negundo, commonly known as boxelder maple, can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from the mature female boxelder maple tree during fall. The seed should be planted immediately in moist soil and kept in a shaded area until germination. The seedlings should then be transplanted to their permanent outdoor location after one year.
Cutting Propagation
Boxelder maple can also be propagated using cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the current season’s growth without any damage or signs of disease. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone to increase their success rate and plant them in a 50/50 mixture of sand and soil. Water the cuttings regularly and keep them in a shaded area until they have rooted and are ready to be transplanted into their permanent outdoor location.
Layering Propagation
Layering propagation is another option for propagating boxelder maple. This process involves bending a lower branch of the tree down to the ground and covering it with soil. The branch should be kept moist during the growing season until new roots have formed. Once there are new roots, the branch can be cut from the original plant and transplanted into a new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Acer negundo L. var. negundo
Acer negundo L. var. negundo, commonly known as box elder, a species of maple tree, is susceptible to various pests and diseases. Effective management strategies can prevent or reduce the damage caused by these threats.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect box elder is anthracnose. This disease is mainly caused by the fungus Discula spp., which causes the leaves to become spotted, turn brown, and eventually fall off. To manage anthracnose, it is advisable to prune dense branches and to rake the leaves regularly to prevent reinfection. Fungicides can also be applied to manage the disease.
Another disease that affects the box elder is Verticillium wilt. This disease is caused by the fungus Verticillium spp. It causes the leaves to wilt and turn yellow before dying. To manage Verticillium wilt, it is essential to prune the infected branches and to provide adequate water and fertilizers to the plant. Fungicides can also be applied to manage the disease.
Common Pests
Box elders are also susceptible to pest damage, including the box elder bug, scale insects, and borers. Box elder bugs are usually found feeding on the leaves, fruit, and flowers of the box elder. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps and essential oils such as neem oil or pyrethrin.
Scale insects are another pest that feeds on the sap of box elders. They cause yellowing, wilting, and leaf drop. To manage them, it is essential to prune infected branches and to apply insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils, such as neem oil.
Borers are another significant pest that affects the box elder. They can cause severe damage to the plant by boring through the bark. To manage borers, it is essential to prune infected branches and to use insecticidal sprays during the egg-laying season.
Conclusion
It is essential to monitor Acer negundo L. var. negundo regularly to detect any signs of pest infestation or disease. Early detection is essential to prevent further damage to the plant. Implementing effective management strategies such as pruning infected branches, applying fungicides and insecticides, and providing adequate water, nutrients and sunlight will help reduce the risk of infestation and promote the health of the plant.
