Overview
Fraxinus anomala Torr. ex S. Watts. var. lowellii (Sarg.) Little is a species of plant that belongs to the olive family (Oleaceae). It is a medium-sized tree native to the southern United States.
Common Names
The common names for Fraxinus anomala Torr. ex S. Watts. var. lowellii (Sarg.) Little include the names of the closely related species, the Raywood ash or the Claret ash.
Appearance
The tree can reach heights between 30 and 50 feet tall and can spread out to around 25 feet wide. The tree's bark is smooth, light grayish-brown, and fissured in old age. The leaves of the Raywood ash are dark green, pinnate, and compound with around seven leaflets that are lance-shaped and up to six inches long. In the fall, the foliage turns a deep maroon or burgundy color that is a highlight of the tree's charm.
Uses
The Raywood ash is commonly used in urban areas and gardens as a shade tree. Its height and width, in combination with its leafy vibrant appearance, make it an excellent selection for landscaping. This tree is also commonly used to line the streets. It is resistant to the Texas root rot, oak wilt, and minor pest and disease outbreaks. The dense foliage provides excellent shade making it ideal for playgrounds and parks.
Growth Conditions for Fraxinus anomala Torr. ex S. Wats. var. lowellii (Sarg.) Little
Fraxinus anomala Torr. ex S. Wats. var. lowellii (Sarg.) Little, commonly known as the lowell ash, is a deciduous tree that grows mainly in the southern regions of the United States. This plant requires certain growth conditions to survive and grow healthy. Some of these growth conditions include:
Light Requirements
The lowell ash requires full sun to partial shade to grow optimally. It can tolerate shade, but best performance is achieved in full sun with well-drained soil. The tree has moderate to fast growth rates and can grow up to 10-20 feet tall and about 6-12 feet wide in full sun, while it can reach up to 40-50 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide in partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in hot to cold temperatures and is hardy to USDA hardiness zones 6-9. The optimal temperature range for the lowell ash is between 60-85°F, but can survive temperatures as low as -10°F. During winter, the tree can become dormant, and the leaves fall to conserve energy until spring.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soils with moderate moisture levels. It can grow in a wide range of soils, including clay, loam, and sand. Soil pH should be between 6.0 to 7.5. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during the tree’s first few years of growth.
Overall, the lowell ash is tolerant of a variety of growing conditions, making it a suitable plant for most landscapes. Proper care and maintenance can help the tree thrive and grow to its full potential.
Cultivation Methods
Fraxinus anomala Torr. ex S. Wats. var. lowellii (Sarg.) Little, commonly known as lowell ash, can be cultivated in various types of well-draining soils. It prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and can tolerate a wide pH range. The plant thrives in full sun but can also grow in partial shade. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, and the best time to plant is during the fall or spring.
Watering Needs
The lowell ash requires moderate watering. It should be watered regularly, especially during drought periods, to ensure that the soil does not dry out. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot. It is recommended to water the plant deeply, saturating the soil up to the root zone.
Fertilization
Fraxinus anomala Torr. ex S. Wats. var. lowellii (Sarg.) Little responds well to fertilization. It can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, starting in the early spring and stopping in the late summer. The plant can also benefit from organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, added to the soil around the base of the plant. It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of the care of the lowell ash. It should be pruned to maintain its shape and stimulate new growth. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, which is in late winter or early spring. It is important to remove any dead or diseased branches and to thin out the canopy to allow for better airflow and light penetration. It is also advisable to remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other, as this can cause wounds that can lead to disease.
Propagation of Fraxinus anomala Torr. ex S. Wats. var. lowellii (Sarg.) Little
Propagation of Fraxinus anomala Torr. ex S. Wats. var. lowellii (Sarg.) Little can be carried out through several methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common method of propagation for Fraxinus anomala Torr. ex S. Wats. var. lowellii (Sarg.) Little. It is essential to collect seeds when they are mature but before they start shattering. The seeds must be stored in a cool and dry place until the time of planting. Fraxinus anomala Torr. ex S. Wats. var. lowellii (Sarg.) Little seeds have a hard seed coat, and it is best to stratify the seeds in sand or peat for 2-3 months before planting to improve germination rates. The seeds can then be sown in a seedbed or individual containers. Once the seedling grows to a few inches tall, it can be transplanted in the desired location.
Cuttings Propagation
Fraxinus anomala Torr. ex S. Wats. var. lowellii (Sarg.) Little can be propagated through both softwood and hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken from new growth in spring or early summer while hardwood cuttings are taken during the dormant season. The cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long and dipped in root hormone before planting in a rooting medium. The cuttings will root within a few weeks and can then be transplanted to their desired location.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another method of propagation for Fraxinus anomala Torr. ex S. Wats. var. lowellii (Sarg.) Little. It is particularly useful when trying to propagate plants with desirable traits. Grafting should be done in the spring using a rootstock that is compatible with the scion. The scion is then fitted onto the rootstock, and the graft union is wrapped to keep moisture in. Once the graft is successful, the plant can be transplanted.
Disease Management
Fraxinus anomala Torr. ex S. Wats. var. lowellii (Sarg.) Little can be affected by various fungal, bacterial and viral diseases:
- Ash yellows: This viral disease causes yellowing and stunting of foliage, and dieback of branches. The affected trees may eventually die. Management includes removing and destroying infected trees, controlling insect vectors, and planting resistant varieties.
- Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease causes wilting, yellowing and browning of leaves, and can lead to branch dieback and tree death. Management includes planting disease-free stock, avoiding injury to roots and stems, providing good drainage, and applying fungicides.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown spots, blotches and necrosis on leaves, twigs and branches, and can lead to defoliation and dieback. Management includes removing and destroying infected leaves, improving air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides.
- Rust: This fungal disease causes yellow-orange powdery spores on leaves, and can cause defoliation and weakened growth. Management includes removing and destroying infected leaves, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides.
Pest Management
Fraxinus anomala Torr. ex S. Wats. var. lowellii (Sarg.) Little can be attacked by various insect pests that may cause significant damage:
- Emerald ash borer: This invasive beetle feeds on the phloem and cambium of ash trees, disrupting the flow of water and nutrients, and causing branches to die back and the tree to decline. Management includes early detection, removal and destruction of infested trees, avoiding movement of infested wood, and insecticide treatments.
- Ash plant bug: This sucking insect feeds on the leaves and causes yellowing, curling, and distortion of foliage. Management includes removing and destroying infected leaves, using reflective mulch around the trunk, attracting natural enemies, and applying insecticidal soap.
- Lilac/ash borer: This wood-boring insect attacks stressed or injured trees, causing wilting, yellowing and dieback of branches, and can lead to tree death. Management includes pruning out infested branches, avoiding injury to trees, using insecticide treatments, and planting resistant varieties.
- Ash sawfly: This defoliating insect feeds on the leaves and can cause significant damage to young trees, leading to weakened growth and increased susceptibility to other pests and diseases. Management includes removing and destroying infected leaves, using reflective mulch around the trunk, and applying insecticides.
