Introduction: Acer negundo L. var. texanum Pax
Acer negundo L. var. texanum Pax, commonly known as the Texas boxelder or Texas maple, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Sapindaceae family. It is a subspecies of Acer negundo L., which is native to North America.
Origin and Distribution
Acer negundo L. var. texanum Pax is endemic to the Southern United States and Northern Mexico. Its natural range includes the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, as well as the Mexican states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas.
Common Names
Aside from Texas boxelder and Texas maple, Acer negundo L. var. texanum Pax is also commonly referred to as the boxelder maple, ash-leaved maple, and Western boxelder.
Appearance
The Texas boxelder is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 40 feet tall and 35 feet wide. It has a rounded and irregular crown, with a trunk that usually measures 1 to 2 feet in diameter. The Texas boxelder's leaves resemble those of an ash tree, with three to seven leaflets that are 2 to 5 inches long on each leaf. The leaves turn yellow in the fall before dropping.
The tree's bark is gray-brown and slightly furrowed, with branches that are smooth and greenish-yellow in color. Acer negundo L. var. texanum Pax produces inconspicuous flowers in the spring, and its fruits are samaras that resemble those of a maple tree. The samaras are distinctive in their bright reddish-green color, which gradually turns brown as they mature in late summer.
Uses
The Texas boxelder is commonly cultivated as a shade tree in urban areas. It is also used as a windbreak in agricultural settings, due to its hardiness and tolerance of drought and extreme temperatures.
The tree has several traditional medicinal uses among Native American tribes, who used its bark and leaves to make teas to treat various ailments. The tree's soft and lightweight wood has also been used to make pallets, boxes, and other types of packaging materials.
Overall, Acer negundo L. var. texanum Pax is a versatile and useful tree that serves many purposes in both natural and human-made environments.
Light Requirements:
Acer negundo L. var. texanum Pax grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but exposure to full sun promotes growth and overall health.
Temperature Conditions:
This plant grows well in a range of temperatures, with a sweet spot around 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate cold temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements:
Acer negundo L. var. texanum Pax grows well in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. It prefers moist, well-draining soils with moderate fertility. It tolerates dry conditions but requires occasional watering during hot and dry periods.
Cultivation methods for Acer negundo L. var. texanum Pax
Acer negundo L. var. texanum Pax is a fast-growing deciduous tree that is primarily found in the southern United States. When it comes to cultivating this variety of Acer negundo, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
The first step is choosing the right location. Acer negundo var. texanum Pax prefers well-drained soil and full to partial sun exposure. Once you've found the right spot, it's time to plant your tree.
Plant your Acer negundo var. texanum Pax in the early spring or fall. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball, and then carefully place the tree in the hole. Water thoroughly.
Watering needs for Acer negundo L. var. texanum Pax
Like most trees, Acer negundo var. texanum Pax needs regular watering, especially during the first year or two after planting. Water deeply to encourage deep roots, and be sure to water during prolonged dry periods.
Once your tree is established, it can tolerate some drought. However, it's essential to keep an eye out for signs of water stress, such as leaf wilting or browning.
Fertilization for Acer negundo L. var. texanum Pax
While Acer negundo var. texanum Pax doesn't require regular fertilization, it can benefit from occasional feeding. Fertilize in the early spring using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully.
Another way to help your Acer negundo var. texanum Pax thrive is by mulching. Mulch can help conserve moisture and suppress weeds, while also slowly releasing nutrients into the soil as it breaks down.
Pruning Acer negundo L. var. texanum Pax
Pruning your Acer negundo var. texanum Pax is generally unnecessary, except to remove any damaged or diseased branches. If you do need to prune, do it in the late winter or early spring before the tree begins to grow new leaves.
When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts. Avoid removing more than one-third of the tree's branches at any given time, as this can stress the tree and affect its overall health.
Propagation of Acer negundo L. var. texanum Pax
Acer negundo L. var. texanum Pax, commonly known as Texas boxelder, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Sapindaceae. This tree is native to North America and it is typically found in moist areas along riverbanks or near other water sources. The Texas boxelder is a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and the ease with which it can be propagated. Here are some methods for propagating this plant:
Seed Propagation
The most common method for propagating the Texas boxelder is through seed propagation. Seeds should be collected in autumn, and the seeds should be stratified for 90-120 days at a temperature of 4°C before sowing. Sow the seeds in early spring in a mixture of peat and perlite, and keep the soil moist. Germination should occur within 4-6 weeks, and the seedlings should be kept in a well-lit area.
Cuttings Propagation
The Texas boxelder can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer, and should be approximately 10-15cm in length. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and apply rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a mixture of peat and perlite, and keep the soil moist. The cuttings should be kept in a shady area, and roots should develop within 2-3 months.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another method of propagating the Texas boxelder. This method involves taking a scion from a desirable variety and grafting it onto a rootstock. The rootstock should be a one-year-old seedling, and the scion should be taken in late winter or early spring. The scion should be approximately 8-10cm in length and should have at least two buds. Grafting should be done when the weather is cool, and the graft should be protected from direct sunlight for several weeks after grafting.
Disease Management
The plant Acer negundo L. var. texanum Pax may be susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Verticillium Wilt: The disease is caused by Verticillium fungi and affects the vascular system of the plant. It leads to wilting, yellowing of leaves, and eventual death of branches or the entire plant. Managing the disease involves removing infected parts and using fungicides like thiophanate-methyl.
- Anthracnose: Caused by the fungus Apiognomonia veneta, this disease causes stem and leaf spotting, defoliation, and branch death. It spreads through spores in wet conditions and can be managed through pruning, fungicide application, and plant sanitation.
- Canker: Canker fungi like Nectria galligena infect the bark and cambium of the plant leading to the development of sunken lesions and dead twigs. Management involves pruning, sterilizing pruning tools, and applying fungicides like copper oxychloride.
Pest Management
The plant Acer negundo L. var. texanum Pax may be infested by various pests, including:
- Aphids: They feed on the sap of leaves and excrete honeydew which attracts ants and causes sooty mold growth. Managing them involves using insecticidal soaps, oils, or neem products.
- Caterpillars: The larvae of various moths feed on leaves leading to defoliation. Managing them involves manually picking them off or using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) products.
- Scale Insects: They are sap-sucking insects that appear as tiny bumps on stems and leaves. They cause leaf yellowing, wilting, and branch dieback. Managing them involves using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
