Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. glabra Rehd.
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. glabra Rehd. is commonly known as the Velvet Ash, Arizona Ash, Fresno, and Modesto Ash. This plant is native to the southwestern region of North America, covering portions of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma.
Appearance
The plant is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall and 50 feet wide and can have a trunk diameter of about 3 feet. It has a round to oval-shaped crown with ascending branches. The bark is gray to brown, with corky furrows that create an interesting pattern. The leaves are compound, with 5 to 9 leaflets, and are 6 to 9 inches in length. The leaflets are lance-shaped, with a rough textured surface, and a dark green color on the upper surface, and pale green on the lower surface.
Uses
The velvet ash is a valuable tree in urban landscapes due to its ornamental foliage, rapid growth, and tolerance to drought and heat. The wood of the tree is used for various purposes such as furniture making, tool handles, and firewood. The leaves of velvet ash make a nutritious fodder for livestock and wildlife, and the tree is also an important source of nectar for bees.
In summary, Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. glabra Rehd. is a beautiful plant that is used for ornamental and practical purposes. It is also an important part of the ecosystem in southwestern North America.
Light Requirements
The Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. glabra Rehd. plant prefers full sunlight exposure for its growth. Therefore, planting the tree in an open and sunny location is the best option. The tree can also grow in partially shaded regions, but the growth rate is comparatively slower.
Temperature Requirements
The Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. glabra Rehd. is a hardy plant species that can tolerate a wide range of temperature fluctuations. The plant can survive winter temperatures as low as 20° F (-6°C) to summer temperatures as high as 100° F (38°C). However, the ideal temperature range for the plant is between 68° F (20°C) to 86° F (30°C).
Soil Requirements
The Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. glabra Rehd. plant requires well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for its growth is mildly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can also tolerate slightly alkaline soil, but it might result in stunted growth. The soil texture should be loamy, sandy loam, or sandy clay loam. The tree can tolerate dry soil conditions but grows best in slightly moist soil that is not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
The Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. glabra Rehd., also known as the Arizona Ash, is a deciduous tree native to the Southwest United States and Mexico. The tree is drought-tolerant and can grow in a range of soils, though it prefers well-draining soils. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
When planting Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. glabra Rehd, it is important to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. The tree should be planted at the same depth as it was growing in its container. It is also important to keep the area around the tree free of other plants, which can compete for water and nutrients.
Watering Needs
The Arizona Ash needs regular watering during its first few years of growth to establish a strong root system. After that, the tree can be watered deeply and infrequently, once or twice a month, during the hot, dry months. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the tree is not sitting in standing water.
Fertilization
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. glabra Rehd. does not require heavy fertilization. If the tree is planted in nutrient-poor soil, adding a slow-release fertilizer during its first year of growth can be helpful. Otherwise, the tree can be fertilized once a year with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Over-fertilization can cause excessive growth, making the tree more susceptible to diseases and pests.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and health of the Arizona Ash. The tree can be pruned in the fall or winter, when it is dormant. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed, as well as any suckers that may emerge from the base of the tree. Crossing branches should also be pruned to prevent rubbing and potential damage. It is important not to overprune, as this can lead to stress on the tree.
Propagation of Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. glabra Rehd.
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. glabra Rehd., commonly known as Arizona ash, can be propagated through different methods like seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Seeds
Seeds can be collected from mature Arizona ash trees. It is better to collect seeds during the fall season when they have ripened and fallen from the tree. The collected seeds should be immediately cleaned to remove any debris and then stored in a cool and dry place. Seeds can be germinated in seed trays or pots filled with potting soil. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location when they are big enough to handle.
Cuttings
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. glabra Rehd. can also be propagated through cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings of about 6 inches long can be collected from the parent plant during the summer season. The bottom of the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone to enhance their chances of rooting. Cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm and moist location. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location the following spring.
Layering
Layering is another propagation technique that is suitable for Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. glabra Rehd. This method requires a mature tree with flexible branches that can be bent to the ground. A section of the branch is selected and a portion of the bark is scraped off. The scraped section is then covered with soil and held down using wire or a peg. The buried section of the branch should be kept moist and within a few months, roots will develop. Once the roots have formed, the layered branch can be cut off from the parent plant and transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. glabra Rehd.
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. glabra Rehd., also known as the Arizona ash or velvet ash, is a popular tree species due to its impressive height, dense shade, and beautiful foliage. However, like all plants, it is prone to diseases and pests that can cause severe damage if not managed adequately. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect the Arizona ash is ash yellows, a fatal disease caused by a phytoplasma. Infected trees will exhibit yellowing or reddening of leaves. There is no cure for ash yellows, and affected trees should be removed and destroyed immediately. Another fungal infection that affects the Arizona ash is ash rust, which causes yellow or orange spots on leaves, premature leaf drop, and reduced tree vigor. A fungicide can be used to control this disease.
Anthracnose is also a fungal disease that can affect the tree. It causes brown or black spots on leaves, defoliation, and cankers on stems. Regular pruning, sanitation, and fungicide treatment can help to manage this disease. Additionally, powdery mildew can cause white or gray powder-like growth on leaves and stems. Fungicide and proper irrigation management can help to prevent and manage powdery mildew.
Common Pests
The most common pest that affects the Arizona ash is the ash borer, a type of beetle that burrows into the trunk and branches of the tree. Infestations can cause dieback, yellowing leaves, and ultimately, tree death. Removing infested branches, using insecticidal sprays, and keeping the tree healthy can help to manage this pest. Another pest that can affect the tree is the ash flower gall mite. It causes abnormal growths on leaves and flowers and can be managed with pruning and sanitation.
Other pests that can affect the Arizona ash include the lilac borer, oystershell scale, aphids, and spider mites. These pests can cause leaf damage, reduced tree vigor, and even death if left unmanaged. Treatments with insecticides, biological control agents, and regular maintenance can help to manage these pests.
In conclusion, with proper management techniques, such as regular inspection, pruning, sanitation, and treatment with fungicides and insecticides, the Arizona ash can be protected from diseases and pests. As always, it is essential to consult a professional if you suspect that your tree is infected with a disease or pest infestation.
