Overview
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. coriacea (S. Wats.) Rehd. is a plant species within the Oleaceae family. This particular species is a variety of the Fraxinus velutina Torr. plant, which is commonly known as the Arizona ash.Origin
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. coriacea (S. Wats.) Rehd. is native to the southwestern parts of the United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and California.Common Names
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. coriacea (S. Wats.) Rehd. is commonly known by several names, such as the velvet ash, desert ash, leatherleaf ash, and Modesto ash.Appearance
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. coriacea (S. Wats.) Rehd. is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 80 feet in height, with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. The bark is dark gray and has a ridged texture. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 5-9 leaflets that are dark green on the upper side and lighter on the underside.Uses
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. coriacea (S. Wats.) Rehd. is used for various purposes. Historically, Native Americans used the leaves, bark, and twigs for medicinal purposes. The wood of the tree is used to make furniture, tool handles, and flooring. Additionally, the tree is often planted as an ornamental plant and to provide shade in public spaces and residential areas.Growth Conditions for Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. coriacea (S. Wats.) Rehd.
Light: Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. coriacea (S. Wats.) Rehd. requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. It can also tolerate some shade, but it may lead to weak and spindly growth.
Temperature: This plant species is native to arid and semiarid regions of North America, and it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in warm and dry conditions with average temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Temperatures below freezing can damage the trees.
Soil: Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. coriacea (S. Wats.) Rehd. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate alkaline soils, but it is not recommended for heavy clay soils. The texture of the soil should be loamy or sandy for optimal growth.
Moisture: This plant species is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall. However, it grows best with regular water, especially during the first few years of growth. Once established, it can tolerate drought-stress conditions. Over-watering should be avoided as it can cause root rot and other plant diseases.
Nutrients: Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. coriacea (S. Wats.) Rehd. benefits from regular fertilization with balanced fertilizers during the growing season. The nitrogen content of the fertilizer should be moderate to low, as high nitrogen levels can lead to weak and spindly growth.
Cultivation
The Fraxinus velutina var. coriacea plant can be grown as a shrub or a small tree. It is native to the arid regions of Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. When planting, select a well-draining soil and place the plant in an area where it can receive full sun exposure. The plant's ideal temperature range is between 40°F and 100°F.
One thing to keep in mind when cultivating this plant is that it requires good air circulation. Do not plant it too close to other plants or structures. Additionally, the plant is sensitive to heavy frost, so choose a location that receives protection during cold snaps.
Watering Needs
Fraxinus velutina var. coriacea is a drought-tolerant plant that can go for long periods without water once established. However, it is crucial to ensure that it gets enough water during the initial stages of growth. Water your plant consistently during the first year of growth. After that, you can reduce watering to only during excessively dry periods.
Fertilization
Like other plants, Fraxinus velutina var. coriacea benefits from nutrient-rich soil. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is dormant. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant.
It is always best to use organic fertilizers like blood meal, bone meal, or fish meal. They provide a slow release of nutrients to the soil, which helps save money and provides long-term benefits. Additionally, they are environmentally friendly compared to synthetic fertilizers, which can hurt the environment.
Pruning
Fraxinus velutina var. coriacea requires minimal pruning. Trim any damaged or broken branches as soon as possible, as this may allow insects and diseases to enter the tree. Avoid topping the tree as this can lead to a weak structure. Instead, use the selective pruning method to maintain a healthy and strong tree. Remove deadwood or crossing branches to improve airflow and light penetration to the plant's center.
The best time to prune Fraxinus velutina var. coriacea is during the dormant season (winter) before new growth appears. This allows the plant to heal before the growing season begins again.
Propagation Methods for Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. coriacea (S. Wats.) Rehd.
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. coriacea (S. Wats.) Rehd., commonly known as Tucson ash or velvet ash, is a deciduous tree that is native to southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. This tree is an important component of riparian ecosystems and provides multiple ecological and socio-economic benefits. Propagation of Fraxinus velutina is important to ensure its conservation and utilization for different purposes.
Propagation of Fraxinus velutina can be achieved through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds. The seeds of Fraxinus velutina can be collected from mature trees in the fall. The collected seeds should be cleaned to remove debris, and then dried to a moisture content of around 8%. The dried seeds can be stored in cool and dry conditions until planting.
Before planting, the seeds can be soaked in water for 24 hours to improve their germination. The seeds can then be sown in seed trays or pots filled with sterilized seedling mix. The seeds should be sown to a depth of approximately twice their diameter.
The seed trays or pots can then be placed in a warm and bright location and kept moist until germination occurs, which usually takes 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the field.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation of Fraxinus velutina can be achieved through different methods such as grafting, budding, and hardwood cuttings.
Grafting involves joining a scion (a stem or a bud from a desired variety) onto a rootstock (a stem or a root system of a compatible species). Grafting is usually done in the early spring when the sap begins to flow. Budding is a similar process, but involves attaching a bud instead of a stem. Grafting and budding require specialized skills and knowledge, and are usually done by professionals.
Hardwood cuttings involve taking mature stems from a desired variety and planting them in a rooting medium such as sand or perlite. The cuttings should be taken during the dormant season, and treated with a rooting hormone to increase their chances of success. The cuttings can then be placed in a warm and humid environment until roots develop, which usually takes several weeks to several months.
Overall, Fraxinus velutina can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The appropriate method depends on various factors such as the desired outcome, the available resources, and the skills and knowledge of the propagator.
Disease and Pest Management for Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. coriacea
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. coriacea, commonly known as the Arizona ash, is prone to several diseases and pests. It is important to manage these issues to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases:
1. Ash Dieback: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and branches of the plant. It causes the leaves to turn brown and fall off, and can eventually kill the entire tree. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant material and avoid planting in areas with moist soil.
2. Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to develop large, brown spots and eventually fall off. To manage this disease, prune the affected branches and avoid overhead watering.
3. Verticillium Wilt: This is a fungal disease that affects the water-conducting system of the plant, causing wilted leaves and eventual death. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant material and avoid planting in areas with heavy soil.
Common Pests:
1. Ash Borer: This is a beetle that lays its eggs in the bark of the tree, causing damage to the bark and wood. To manage this pest, use insecticides or remove and destroy infected plant material.
2. Leafhoppers: These pests suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing small yellow or white spots on the leaves. To manage this pest, use insecticides or introduce predators like ladybugs or lacewings.
3. Spider Mites: These pests feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and leaf drop. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or introduce predators like predatory mites or ladybugs.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for signs of disease or pest infestation. Early detection and management can help prevent the spread of the issue and keep the plant healthy.
