Description of Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. var. lanceolata (Borkh.) Sarg.
Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. var. lanceolata (Borkh.) Sarg., also known as Green Ash, is a deciduous tree species that belongs to the Oleaceae family. The tree species is native to North America and can be found in the Eastern and Central regions of the United States.
Common Names
The Green Ash tree is commonly known as several names, including Red Ash, Swamp Ash, Water Ash, White Ash, and Yellow Ash. Many of these common names reflect the environment and habitat where the tree typically grows, such as in swamplands, near water sources, or among other tree species.
Uses
The Green Ash tree has a range of uses that have made it an important species across different industries. Historically, Indigenous American communities used different parts of the tree, including its bark, to treat illnesses and make dyes. Today, the wood of the Green Ash tree is commonly used in the production of furniture, flooring, hockey sticks, and tool handles. The tree is also planted in urban areas for its ability to tolerate poor soil conditions and provide shade.
Appearance
The Green Ash tree can grow up to 35 meters tall and has a roughly cylindrical shape. The tree's bark is normally gray but can sometimes have a reddish hue. The leaves are compound and alternate, with five to nine lanceolate-shaped leaflets. In the fall, the leaves typically turn yellow or purple. The branches of the Green Ash tree tend to grow upwards, and the tree produces small flowers in the spring.
Growth Conditions for Fraxinus Pennsylvanica Marsh. var. Lanceolata (Borkh.) Sarg.
Fraxinus Pennsylvanica Marsh. var. Lanceolata (Borkh.) Sarg. or green ash is a deciduous tree species native to central and eastern North America. It thrives in well-draining soils in lowland areas, including stream banks and bottomlands. It can grow up to 60 feet tall with an equal spread.
Light Requirements
Green ash requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to promote growth and flowering. In shaded areas, the tree will grow taller searching for sunlight, resulting in a long, thin trunk.
Temperature Requirements
Green ash is a hardy tree that can withstand varying temperatures. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9 and prefers a climate with a mild winter and no extreme hot summers. It is sensitive to frost in the spring, which can cause damage to the new buds and result in reduced growth and productivity.
Soil Requirements
Green ash thrives in well-draining soils and prefers moist, fertile soil. It can grow in a range of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. The tree can tolerate some drought conditions but will not survive in waterlogged soils.
Cultivation
The Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. var. lanceolata (Borkh.) Sarg., or commonly known as green ash, is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 50 ft tall. It is best grown in a location with full sunlight exposure and in well-drained soil.
In areas with mild climate, the green ash can be propagated through germination of seeds. Seeds must be collected in late autumn or early winter and soaked in warm water for 24 hours before planting them in a pot filled with a nutrient-rich moist soil mixture. Transplanting can be done once the seedlings grow their second set of leaves.
For areas with colder climates, it is recommended to grow this plant through grafting or root cuttings. Grafting is the most common method using the rootstock of white ash and a scion from the green ash. This must be done during the winter season, preferably below freezing.
Watering Needs
The green ash needs to be watered regularly, especially during the first two years of growth. It is crucial to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to avoid root rot. A thorough soaking once a week during the growing season can help establish the plant better.
Mulching around the base of the tree can also help retain moisture in the soil and prevent competition from weeds.
Fertilization
Green ash trees benefit from fertilization once a year to provide essential nutrients not present in the soil. A balanced slow-release fertilizer is ideal for this purpose.
Fertilizing should be done in the early spring while the tree is still in a dormant state. However, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, as over-fertilization can lead to root damage and negatively affect the tree's growth.
Pruning
Green ash trees need regular pruning to remove dead or damaged branches and promote healthy growth. It is best to prune during the dormant season to minimize stress on the tree.
Young trees must be pruned to encourage a central leader to prevent the development of weak branches. Mature trees need less pruning, but it is essential to remove crossing branches and water sprouts to allow better air circulation and sunlight penetration to the interior of the tree.
Introduction
Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. var. lanceolata (Borkh.) Sarg. is a deciduous tree commonly known as the green ash. It is native to North America and grows in a variety of habitats. The tree is prized for its ornamental value and its use in the production of hardwood lumber, furniture, and sporting goods. Propagation of the green ash can be achieved through several methods.
Seed Propagation
The most popular method of propagating green ash is through seed propagation. The seeds must be stratified for several months to break seed dormancy. The seeds are then planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination occurs. Seed propagation is relatively easy and produces genetically diverse plants.
Cuttings Propagation
Green ash can be propagated through hardwood cuttings. The cuttings are taken in late winter or early spring from the previous year's growth. Cuttings should be approximately 6-8 inches long and include at least one bud. The cuttings are treated with a rooting hormone and placed in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Hardwood cuttings have a lower success rate than seed propagation but produce genetically identical plants.
Suckers Propagation
Green ash can also be propagated through root suckers that emerge from the base of the tree. These suckers can be dug up and transplanted to a new location. This method of propagation produces genetically identical plants and is more reliable than cuttings propagation.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a method of propagation that involves growing roots on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. A section of the stem is wounded and treated with rooting hormone. The stem is then wrapped in moist sphagnum moss and covered in plastic wrap. Once roots have formed, the stem is cut from the parent plant and planted in well-draining soil. Air layering is a reliable method of propagation but is more involved than seed propagation or suckers propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. var. lanceolata (Borkh.) Sarg.
Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. var. lanceolata (Borkh.) Sarg., commonly known as the green ash, is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. Proper management practices can prevent or significantly reduce the damage caused by these biotic agents and ensure a healthy and robust plant.
Common Diseases
Green ash is prone to several fungal infections, including ash yellows, ash rust, and ash anthracnose. Ash yellows is a lethal disease caused by phytoplasmas that infect the phloem tissue of the plant, leading to its gradual decline and death. Ash rust is caused by Puccinia sparganioides and is characterized by yellow-orange spots on leaves. Ash anthracnose, caused by the fungus Discula fraxinea, leads to the defoliation of the plant.
Disease Management
Applying fungicides during the growing season can help control ash rust and ash anthracnose. Additionally, removing and destroying diseased plant material and maintaining proper cultural practices, including watering and fertilization, can significantly reduce the spread and severity of the diseases.
Common Pests
Green ash is also vulnerable to several insects, including the emerald ash borer, ash/lilac borer, gall mites, and the green ash leaf curl aphid. The emerald ash borer is a significant pest that feeds on the inner bark and disrupts the flow of water and nutrients, leading to the death of the plant in severe infestations. The ash/lilac borer attacks the trunk and branches of the plant, causing extensive damage. The green ash leaf curl aphid feeds on the leaves and causes them to curl and distort.
Pest Management
Several management practices can control the damage caused by these pests, including the use of insecticides, biological control agents, and pheromone traps. Additionally, regular monitoring of the plant for signs of infestation and removing and destroying infested plant material can prevent the spread of the pests to healthy trees.
In conclusion, taking preventive measures and implementing integrated pest and disease management strategies can ensure the health and longevity of the green ash plant.
