Overview of Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi (Britt.) Rehd.
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi (Britt.) Rehd. is a tree species native to North America. It belongs to the family of Oleaceae and is commonly known as Toumey ash or Arizona ash. It grows in various habitats including canyons, foothills, and mountain slopes.
Appearance of Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi (Britt.) Rehd.
Toumey ash is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 feet in height and 25 feet in width. Its bark is dark gray and has a rough texture, while the twigs are brown and velvety. The leaves are compound and consist of 5 to 7 leaflets, each 2 to 5 inches in length. The leaflets are oval-shaped with a serrated margin and a velvety texture on the underside. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring, followed by winged fruit that ripens in the fall.
Uses of Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi (Britt.) Rehd.
Toumey ash has several uses in landscaping and horticulture. It is often planted as a shade tree in parks and residential areas, as it provides ample shade and has an attractive appearance. It is also used to stabilize soil on steep slopes due to its deep roots and ability to adapt to arid conditions. The wood of the tree is hard and durable, and is used to make furniture, tool handles, and sporting equipment. Medicinally, the bark and leaves of the tree have been used to treat fever and arthritis.
Light requirements
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi requires full to partial sunlight exposure. It thrives in areas that have at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature requirements
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi grows well in warm climates and can withstand high temperatures. However, it does not tolerate freezing temperatures or severe frosts. The tree grows best in areas with temperatures ranging between 60°F to 85°F (15.5°C to 29.4°C).
Soil requirements
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi prefers well-draining soils. The ideal soil pH for this plant ranges between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, from sandy to clay soils, although it thrives in loamy soil. To promote growth, the soil must be fertile and enriched with organic matter. Adequate soil moisture is also necessary to support its growth and development.
Cultivation methods
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi (Britt.) Rehd. is best grown in full sun or partial shade and thrives in well-drained soils but can tolerate a wide range of soil types. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, and it is recommended to plant them in the spring or fall.
Watering needs
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi (Britt.) Rehd. requires regular watering during the first few years of its growth. However, once established, the plant can tolerate moderate drought and does not require frequent watering. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently, preferably in the morning or late afternoon.
Fertilization
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi (Britt.) Rehd. benefits from fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 8-8-8 can be applied in the spring and early summer. Avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to excessive growth and weak branches.
Pruning
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi (Britt.) Rehd. requires minimal pruning, mainly to remove any damaged or diseased branches in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be done when the plant is dormant, and cuts should be made at a slight angle and just above a healthy bud or lateral branch. Avoid heavy pruning as it can lead to vigorous growth and weak branches.
Propagation of Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi (Britt.) Rehd.
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi (Britt.) Rehd., commonly known as the Toumey's ash, can be propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi (Britt.) Rehd. can be collected in the fall and planted immediately or stored in a cool, dry place for future use. Prior to planting, the seeds need to be stratified for 60-90 days in order to break their dormancy. Once stratified, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept evenly moist until germination.
Propagation through cuttings
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi (Britt.) Rehd. can also be propagated through softwood or hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken in early summer and hardwood cuttings should be taken in winter. The cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches in length with at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment and misted regularly until they root.
Disease Management
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi (Britt.) Rehd. is susceptible to a range of diseases, including:
- Verticillium wilt: This soilborne fungus is commonly found in cooler and wetter regions, causing wilting, leaf scorching, and early leaf loss. The symptoms can vary depending on the age of the tree. Removing infected trees, maintaining optimal soil moisture, and avoiding over-fertilizing can help prevent the disease.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease usually affects the branches and leaves of ash and can cause brownish-purple lesions with distinct patterns. Regular pruning, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides can help manage the disease.
- Phytophthora root rot: This disease affects the plant roots and can cause death within a short period. Planting in well-drained soil, avoiding overwatering, and applying fungicides can prevent the disease.
Pest Management
Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi (Britt.) Rehd. is also susceptible to pests including:
- Emerald ash borer: This invasive insect is a significant threat to ash trees and causes extensive damage to the tree's vascular system. Infested trees typically show thinning, dieback, and D-shaped exit holes. Early detection, insecticides, and tree removal can help manage the pest.
- Ash flower beetles: These beetles feed on the tree's flowers and can cause extensive damage and defoliation. Applying insecticides during the spring and early summer can help prevent an infestation.
- Fall webworm: This pest can defoliate an entire tree if not controlled. They can be managed by pruning and removing the web and applying insecticides during the larvae stage.
Regular inspections and staying vigilant in identifying and managing any disease or pest outbreaks are essential in maintaining the health of Fraxinus velutina Torr. var. toumeyi (Britt.) Rehd. trees.
