Overview
Fraxinus caroliniana P. Mill. var. oblanceolata (M.A. Curtis) Fern. & Schub. is a deciduous tree belonging to the Oleaceae family. It is commonly known as the Pop Ash or the Carolina Ash, and it is native to the southeastern region of the United States.
Description
The Pop Ash typically grows up to 80 feet tall and 30 feet wide, with a dense, oval-shaped crown. The tree's bark is smooth and gray, with a diamond-shaped pattern of ridges. Its leaves are pinnately compound, typically 8-12 inches long, with 9 to 11 leaflets that are lance-shaped with serrated edges. The Pop Ash is dioecious, which means that male and female flowers are borne on separate trees.
Uses
The Pop Ash has several practical applications. Its wood is strong, hard, and flexible, making it useful for making furniture, tool handles, sports equipment, and flooring. Its fruit, a samara or winged seed, attracts birds like cedar waxwings and goldfinches. The tree is also an ornamental plant and a shade tree, especially in urban environments. However, the Pop Ash is highly susceptible to the Emerald Ash Borer, a non-native insect that has devastated ash tree populations in North America.
Conservation status
Fraxinus caroliniana P. Mill. var. oblanceolata (M.A. Curtis) Fern. & Schub. is not currently on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, the species is affected by the Emerald Ash Borer, and this has led to a decline in populations in some regions. Therefore, some organizations have listed the Pop Ash as a species of concern. The best way to protect the tree is to prevent the spread of Emerald Ash Borer by not moving firewood and by taking other precautions.
Light Requirements
Fraxinus caroliniana P. Mill. var. oblanceolata requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but will not produce as well. The shaded areas tend to be more open and with little competition above the tree canopy. This species prefers to grow in full sunlight with little to no shade. Shaded areas may cause poor growth, stress, and susceptibility to disease.
Temperature Requirements
The best temperature range for Fraxinus caroliniana P. Mill. var. oblanceolata is between 15-35°C (59-95°F). It is not tolerant of colder temperatures and may suffer frost damage if the climate drops below the recommended range. This species requires a warm and humid climate, and is often found in the coastal areas of the southeastern United States, where the climate is favorable for its growth.
Soil Requirements
Fraxinus caroliniana P. Mill. var. oblanceolata prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy loam to clay loam, and is often found in flood-prone or swampy areas. However, it cannot tolerate saline or alkaline soils and is not a suitable species for such conditions. This tree is often found in the coastal regions of the southeastern United States, where the soil is rich and fertile.
Cultivation Methods
The Fraxinus caroliniana P. Mill. var. oblanceolata (M.A. Curtis) Fern. & Schub. prefers to grow in full sun or partial shade and well-drained, moist soil. It is a plant that is reasonably tolerant of flooding, but it doesn't tolerate periods of drought well. This tree is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8a to 11b and can thrive in coastal areas, in wet soils or along watercourses, swamps, and marshes.
Watering Needs
Frequent watering is essential for the growth of Fraxinus caroliniana P. Mill. var. oblanceolata (M.A. Curtis) Fern. & Schub. It needs a consistent supply of moisture in its soil. During dry periods, watering should be done weekly, aiming for a depth of at least 6 inches (15 cm) into the soil, ensuring that the entire root system is hydrated. It is best to water this tree either in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are lower.
Fertilization
Fertilizing is not necessary in most soils, but for young trees or plants grown in poor soil, a balanced slow-release fertilizer applied in the early spring can help its growth. A fertilizer with an N:P:K ratio of 10:10:10 is suitable. It should be applied at a rate of 1 pound (450 g) per inch of trunk diameter measured 4 feet (1.2 m) above the ground and should be spread over the root zone of the tree.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep the Fraxinus caroliniana P. Mill. var. oblanceolata (M.A. Curtis) Fern. & Schub. tree healthy and attractive. The best time to prune this tree is in late winter when they are dormant. It is essential to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged limbs, as well as any suckers that grow at the base of the trunk. Prune off the lower branches to reveal the trunk's beauty and form, and allow the upper branches to continue growth to create an upward, layered look. To avoid potential damage, don't prune more than 20% of the tree's canopy in a single year.
Propagation of Fraxinus caroliniana P. Mill. var. oblanceolata
Fraxinus caroliniana P. Mill. var. oblanceolata, commonly known as the Carolina ash, can be propagated through several methods. These propagation methods include seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
The Carolina ash can be propagated by seeds which can be obtained from mature trees. The seeds should be collected in fall and should be sowed immediately after harvest since they have a short lifespan. The seeds can be sown in a well-drained medium with good aeration and kept moist until the germination takes place. The germination period usually takes around 4-8 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
The Carolina ash can also be propagated through stem cuttings collected during the dormant season. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free trees and should be around 6-8 inches long. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and placed in a well-drained medium. The medium should be kept moist and the cuttings should be kept under high humidity until the roots develop.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method that can be used for the Carolina ash. The rootstock is selected based on its resistance to soil-borne diseases and is grown until it reaches the desired thickness. The scion, which is obtained from mature trees, is then grafted onto the rootstock. The graft is then covered with a grafting wax to prevent desiccation. The grafted plant is then grown under ideal conditions until it is ready for transplanting.
Disease Management
Fraxinus caroliniana P. Mill. var. oblanceolata is susceptible to a number of diseases. Some of the common diseases are:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown spots on leaves which eventually turn black. The leaves may also curl and fall off prematurely. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure good air circulation by pruning and thinning, and to remove infected plant material to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Ash yellows: This is a disease caused by a phytoplasma, which is a type of bacteria. Infected plants will show yellowing leaves and stunted growth. There is no cure for ash yellows, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease causes wilting and yellowing of the leaves, which eventually drop off. The fungus can survive in the soil for many years, so it is important to plant resistant varieties and to avoid planting in soil where infected plants have been grown before.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes circular, brown spots on the leaves. Infected leaves may prematurely fall off. To manage this disease, it is important to remove infected plant material and to ensure good air circulation and drainage around the plant.
Pest Management
Fraxinus caroliniana P. Mill. var. oblanceolata is also susceptible to a number of pests. Some of the common pests are:
- Emerald ash borer: This invasive beetle feeds on the inner bark of ash trees, which can kill the tree over time. Signs of infestation include D-shaped exit holes on the bark, and thinning or dying branches. To manage this pest, it is important to prevent its spread by not moving firewood and to monitor trees for signs of infestation.
- Ash flower gall: The larvae of this insect feed on the flowers of ash trees, causing them to develop into galls which can be unsightly. Though it does not harm the tree itself, the galls may attract other pests. To manage this pest, it is important to remove infected plant material and to spray with insecticides when necessary.
- Ash plant bug: This insect feeds on the sap of ash trees, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. To manage this pest, it is important to prune and thin trees to improve air circulation, and to spray with insecticides when necessary.
- Ash sawfly: The larvae of this insect feed on the leaves of ash trees, causing defoliation. To manage this pest, it is important to prune trees to improve air circulation and to remove infected plant material. Insecticides may also be used if necessary.
