Origin
Acer negundo L. var. violaceum (Kirchn.) Jaeger, commonly known as boxelder maple, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Sapindaceae family. The plant is native to North America, primarily found in the eastern and central parts of the United States and Canada. It grows best in moist and fertile soils, near streams and riverbanks.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as boxelder maple, Manitoba maple, ash-leaved maple, and western boxelder. Its scientific name is derived from the Latin word "acer" which means "sharp," referring to the tree's pointed leaves.
Uses
Boxelder maple has several uses, including its use in the production of furniture, flooring, and musical instruments. The tree's sap can be tapped and boiled down to make maple syrup, though it is not as sweet as other maple varieties. The wood of the tree is also used as fuel wood, and the plant is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks.
General Appearance
The boxelder maple can grow up to 10-25 meters in height and has a spreading, irregular crown. The leaves are deciduous, compound, and opposite, with three to seven leaflets. The foliage is light green and turns yellow or gold in the fall. The tree produces clusters of small, reddish flowers in the spring, followed by winged samaras that fall to the ground in late summer. The bark is gray and smooth when young, becoming rough and furrowed with age.
Light Requirements
Acer negundo L. var. violaceum requires full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. In areas with hot summers, providing some shade during the hottest part of the day may help prevent leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. The ideal temperature for growth ranges from 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Acer negundo L. var. violaceum grows best in moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. The plant also prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients.
Cultivation of Acer negundo L. var. violaceum (Kirchn.) Jaeger
Acer negundo L. var. violaceum (Kirchn.) Jaeger, commonly known as boxelder maple, is a fast-growing deciduous tree that belongs to the maple family. It is native to North America and is widely cultivated for its ornamental value. Here are some cultivation tips for this plant:
Soil: The boxelder maple prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can adapt to a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. The ideal pH range for this plant is 6.0 to 7.5.
Sunlight: This plant grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will not thrive in deep shade.
Temperature: The boxelder maple can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from -40°F to 100°F. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9.
Watering Needs
Water: The boxelder maple requires regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. It prefers moist soil but can tolerate some drought once established. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Timing: Water the boxelder maple deeply once a week during dry spells. Water more frequently during hot, dry weather.
Fertilization
Fertilizer: The boxelder maple does not require a lot of fertilizer, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth. Use a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12.
Timing: Apply fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears. Do not fertilize in the fall, as this can stimulate new growth that may not have time to harden off before winter.
Pruning
Reasons: Pruning is generally not necessary for the boxelder maple, but it can be done to remove dead or damaged branches, improve the shape of the tree, or control its size.
Timing: Prune the boxelder maple in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Avoid pruning in the fall, as this can stimulate new growth that may not have time to harden off before winter.
Method: Use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts. Avoid leaving stubs, as these can become entry points for pests and diseases. Prune back to healthy, live wood.
Propagation methods of Acer negundo L. var. violaceum (Kirchn.) Jaeger
Acer negundo L. var. violaceum (Kirchn.) Jaeger, commonly known as box elder, is a deciduous tree that is native to North America. It is a fast-growing, low-maintenance tree that is popular for its ornamental value. Box elder can be propagated both by sexual and asexual means.
Propagating via seeds
The most common way of propagating Acer negundo L. var. violaceum is through seeds. Seeds can be collected from mature trees during autumn. The seeds have a hard outer shell that needs to be scarified in order to promote germination. This can be done by soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours or exposing them to high temperatures. Once the outer shell has been weakened, the seeds can be sown in a mixture of sand and peat moss. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil, and the container should be kept in a warm, bright location. Germination can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Propagating via cuttings
Another method of propagating box elder is through cuttings. Hardwood cuttings should be taken during the winter when the tree is dormant. Cuttings should be taken from the branches that are at least a year old. The cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long and should have at least two to three nodes. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. The cutting should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, bright location. It can take several weeks for the cutting to develop roots.
Propagating via layering
Box elder can also be propagated by layering. This involves bending a flexible branch towards the ground and covering it with soil. Once the branch has started to root, it can be cut away from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location. Layering is best done in the spring or early summer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Acer negundo L. var. violaceum can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and layering. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on various factors such as time, equipment, and skill level. Propagation can be a rewarding and enjoyable way to expand your garden, and experimenting with different methods can help you find what works best for you.
Disease Management
Acer negundo L. var. violaceum (Kirchn.) Jaeger is susceptible to several diseases that can reduce its growth and yield and even kill the entire plant. Some of the common diseases include:
- Verticillium Wilt: It is a soil-borne fungal disease that can affect several parts of the plant, including leaves, branches, and roots. The leaves turn yellow or brown, wilt, and eventually fall off. The best way to manage this disease is to plant resistant varieties, maintain good soil health, and remove infected plants from the garden.
- Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, twigs, and branches of the plant. The symptoms include purple or brown spots on the leaves, which may enlarge and coalesce, and the leaves may curl and drop prematurely. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and maintain good air circulation.
- Canker: It is a fungal disease that affects the bark of the plant, causing it to crack and ooze sap. The branches may die back, and the leaves may wilt and fall off. Prune infected branches and dispose of them properly. Avoid wounding the plant and maintain good growing conditions.
Pest Management
Acer negundo L. var. violaceum (Kirchn.) Jaeger is susceptible to several pests that can cause damage to the plant. Some of the common pests include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. The leaves may curl and turn yellow, and the plant may become stunted. To manage aphids, spray them with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Scale insects: They cause yellowing of leaves and wilting of branches by sucking plant juices from its stems and leaves. The stems may also produce honeydew which attract black mold. Prune any heavily infected branches and spray insecticidal soap on the affected parts of the plant.
- Spider mites: They are tiny insects that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing stippling and yellowing. The plant may become stunted, and the leaves may drop prematurely. To manage spider mites, spray them with a strong stream of water, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings.
