Origin
Fraxinus americana L. ssp. texensis (Gray) G.N. Mill. belongs to the family Oleaceae and is native to North America. It is commonly found in the central and southern regions of the United States, particularly in states like Texas and Oklahoma.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Texas ash, Mexican ash, Rio grande ash, and desert ash. The name Texas ash stems from its extensive growth in the state of Texas, where it was introduced to the landscape in the early 1900s.
Uses
Fraxinus americana L. ssp. texensis (Gray) G.N. Mill has multiple uses, ranging from ornamental to commercial. The wood of the Texas ash is strong and durable, making it an ideal choice for furniture, flooring, and sports equipment. Its leaves and bark contain medicinal properties that are commonly used in the production of herbal remedies to treat ailments such as rheumatism and fever.
Additionally, due to its resilient nature, the plant is used in landscaping to provide shade and to add to the overall aesthetic of gardens and parks. Its foliage turns a vibrant shade of yellow-orange in the fall, adding color to landscapes during the autumn season.
General Appearance
Fraxinus americana L. ssp. texensis (Gray) G.N. Mill. is a deciduous tree that can reach heights of 30-50 feet (9-15 m) and has a spread of 25-30 feet (7-9 m). Its leaves are pinnate, with five to nine leaflets arranged in an opposite pattern. The leaves are dark green and glossy on top, with a lighter shade of green on the bottom.
The Texas ash produces small flowers that are greenish-white and appear in clusters in early spring. Once pollinated, these flowers give way to small, samara-shaped fruits that are light brown in color and contain a single seed. The tree has a smooth, gray bark with diamond-shaped patterns.
In summary, the Fraxinus americana L. ssp. texensis (Gray) G.N. Mill. is a North American native deciduous tree with compound leaves and small greenish-white flowers that produce samara-shaped fruit. It has a smooth, gray bark and is used for both commercial and ornamental purposes.
Light Requirements
The Fraxinus americana L. ssp. texensis requires full sun for optimal growth and development. This species can tolerate some shade but will have reduced growth rates and may become more susceptible to disease or pests in shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
The Fraxinus americana L. ssp. texensis is adapted to grow in a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate both freezing temperatures and extreme heat, making it well-suited for growth in many regions of North America. However, younger plants may be more sensitive to extreme temperatures and may require extra care and protection during periods of heat or cold stress.
Soil Requirements
This species grows best in moist, well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. They can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, they prefer to grow in soils that are rich in organic matter and able to hold moisture for extended periods of time. Good soil drainage is crucial for preventing root rot and other soil-borne diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Fraxinus americana L. ssp. texensis (Gray) G.N. Mill. prefers to be planted in areas with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loamy, clay, and sandy, as long as there is good drainage. It's essential to ensure that the soil has a pH level between 6.5 to 7.5. Plant the sapling in spring, and avoid planting it too deep - the plant's root ball should be just below the soil surface.
Watering Needs
Fraxinus americana L. ssp. texensis (Gray) G.N. Mill. requires adequate water for healthy growth. It's essential to ensure consistent moisture during the first growing season to help the plant establish roots. However, once established, the tree can tolerate mild drought conditions. It's best to water the tree deeply, soaking the soil around the roots, and allowing it to drain before watering again.
Fertilization
The fertilization needs of Fraxinus americana L. ssp. texensis (Gray) G.N. Mill. vary depending on the soil quality. Apply slow-release fertilizer twice a year in early spring and late fall to young trees. For mature trees, fertilize once per year in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to rapid, weak growth and make the tree more vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning Fraxinus americana L. ssp. texensis (Gray) G.N. Mill. is essential to maintain the tree's shape and remove any damaged, diseased, or dead branches. The best time to prune is in late fall or winter when the tree is dormant. Avoid pruning in spring or summer as it can lead to new growth, making the tree more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Prune only the branches that are necessary to maintain the tree's shape and avoid trimming more than 1/3 of the tree's crown in a year.
Propagation of Fraxinus americana L. ssp. texensis (Gray) G.N. Mill.
Fraxinus americana L. ssp. texensis, commonly known as Texas ash, can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Fraxinus americana L. ssp. texensis. The seeds of Texas ash can be collected in the fall and stored in a cool, dry place until the spring. They can be sown directly into the ground or started in pots and transplanted later on. The germination rate of Texas ash seeds is usually high, and they typically sprout within a few weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method used to propagate Fraxinus americana L. ssp. texensis. Hardwood cuttings taken from the current year’s growth should be taken in late autumn or early winter. The cuttings should be 12-15 cm long and have a diameter of about 1 cm. The cuttings should be placed in moist sand or a mixture of sand and peat moss- this will encourage the growth of new roots. Rooting usually takes six to eight weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the ground
Grafting
Grafting is a method of propagating Fraxinus americana L. ssp. texensis wherein the scion from a desirable Texas ash cultivar is grafted onto a vigorous rootstock. Grafting is usually done in early spring. Once the graft union has formed, the new plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Common Diseases and Pests Affecting Fraxinus Americana L. ssp. Texensis
Fraxinus Americana L. ssp. Texensis, commonly known as the Texas ash, is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common ones:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves, which may eventually cause premature leaf drop. Anthracnose thrives in moist environments and can be prevented by promoting proper air circulation and watering the tree at its base instead of from above.
Verticillium Wilt: This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus that blocks the water-conducting vessels in the tree, causing leaves to wilt and die. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Verticillium Wilt, and infected trees will need to be removed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Ash Yellows: This phytoplasma disease is spread by insect vectors and causes stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and premature leaf drop. The disease is incurable, and trees affected by Ash Yellows must be removed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
Emerald Ash Borer: This invasive beetle burrows into ash trees and can cause extensive damage to the tree's vascular system, eventually killing it. Signs of an infestation include D-shaped exit holes, "blonding" on the bark, and canopy dieback. Management of Emerald Ash Borer includes insecticide treatments and removing and destroying infested trees.
Ash/Lilac Borer: This native wood-boring insect targets stressed trees and can cause significant damage to the tree's vascular system. Signs of an infestation include sawdust-like frass and pencil-thin exit holes. Management of Ash/Lilac Borer includes keeping the tree healthy and pruning out infested branches.
Ash Plant Bug: This sap-sucking insect causes yellowing and distortion of leaves and can weaken the tree over time. Management of Ash Plant Bug includes removing and destroying infested branches and using insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control populations.
