Origin
Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. interius (Britt.) A.& D. Löve, commonly known as boxelder maple, is a relatively wide-spread species of tree that belongs to the family Sapindaceae. It is native to North America, particularly in the eastern and central regions, ranging from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
Common Names
Boxelder maple is also known by several other common names, including ash-leaved maple, Manitoba maple, and western boxelder. In certain regions, the tree is called the sugar ash, which may cause confusion with other species.
Uses
The wood of boxelder maple tends to be soft and lightweight, which limits its usage in woodworking. However, it has found applications in manufacturing specialty products such as pulpwood, crates, and boxes. The tree is also popular among amateur woodcarvers, who appreciate its pale coloration and fine grain.
Boxelder maple is often cultivated for ornamental purposes, thanks to its unique appearance, quick growth rate, and low maintenance needs. The tree's leaves have a lovely lime green hue in the spring and summer, which then gradually transitions to yellow, orange, and red in the autumn. Boxelder maple's vibrant red samaras make it an excellent addition to any garden or landscape.
General Appearance
Boxelder maple typically grows to be a small to medium-sized tree, ranging in height from 30 to 50 feet, with a trunk diameter of about 1 to 2 feet. The tree sports prominently-veined, pinnately compound leaves, which range from 3 to 5 inches in length. The bark is gray-brown and often camouflaged with corky ridges, forming a unique diamond pattern. Boxelder maple is dioecious, which means that it has both male and female flowers, and produces characteristic winged fruits known as samaras, which have a reddish-pink hue and typically measure about 1.5 inches in length.
Growth Conditions for Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. interius (Britt.) A.& D. Löve
Light: Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. interius (Britt.) A.& D. Löve prefers to grow in full sun or partial shade. It can grow in shaded areas, but it may not be as productive in terms of foliage or flowers.
Temperature: This plant is native to the United States and grows best in warm climates. It can tolerate some cold temperatures, but the ideal temperature range for growth is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil: The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, but it does best in moist, well-draining soil. Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. interius (Britt.) A.& D. Löve is tolerant of acidic or alkaline soil, but it will not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
Water: The plant needs to be watered regularly, especially during the hot and dry seasons. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and soil conditions, so it is important to monitor the soil moisture levels.
Fertilizer: Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. interius (Britt.) A.& D. Löve does not require a lot of fertilizer. However, an occasional application of a balanced fertilizer can help to promote growth and keep the plant healthy.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be planted in the spring, and the cuttings should be taken in the late spring or early summer. The cuttings can be placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they begin to root.
Cultivation Methods
Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. interius (Britt.) A. & D. Löve, commonly known as Boxelder maple, is a hardy tree that is generally easy to cultivate. It prefers well-drained and moist soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. For planting, prepare the soil by digging a hole twice the size of the root ball of the sapling. Mix in compost or aged manure to enrich the soil. Set the tree in the hole, then backfill with the enriched soil and water thoroughly. Boxelder maple typically grows up to 60 feet tall and 60 feet wide. When planting, ensure that there is enough space for the tree to grow to its full size.Watering Needs
Boxelder maple requires moderate watering, especially during the first few years after planting. Water the sapling deeply and thoroughly every week. After the tree's roots are established, it will require less frequent watering. During the summer months or in areas with dry climates, ensure the tree receives enough water to prevent drought stress. On the other hand, avoid watering too much, as it may cause root rot and other fungal diseases.Fertilization
Fertilization is important, especially for young Boxelder maples. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before the tree starts to grow. It's best to use a slow-release fertilizer that will slowly release nutrients over time. Avoid using fertilizers that contain high amounts of nitrogen as they can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of root growth.Pruning
Boxelder maple requires minimal pruning. Remove any dead or damaged branches as soon as you notice them. Additionally, you can prune the tree to maintain its shape and size. If you want to significantly reduce the size of the tree, prune during the dormant season. Avoid pruning during the growing season as it may cause excessive sap loss and weaken the tree.Propagation of Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. interius (Britt.) A.& D. Löve
Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. interius (Britt.) A.& D. Löve, commonly known as box elder, is a deciduous tree that is native to the United States. The tree can reach up to 25 meters in height, and it has a spreading crown with light-colored wood and a fibrous root system. Box elder produces winged fruits similar to those of maple trees.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating box elder is through seed. The seeds are best collected in the fall or winter when they are ripe. After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned of any debris or pulp and then placed in a moist stratifying medium. This will allow for the seeds to undergo a dormancy period that is typical for this species before germination can occur. The seeds can be sown in the early spring in a well-drained soil medium that is rich in organic matter.
Vegetative Propagation
Box elder can also be propagated through vegetative means, such as cuttings or layering. Hardwood cuttings are taken in the winter or early spring, and they should be at least 12 centimeters long with a diameter of 6 millimeters. They should be treated with a rooting hormone and then placed in a moist, well-aerated soil medium. Layering is another way of propagating box elder. This process involves removing a thin strip of bark from a lower branch and then bending the branch down and covering it with soil. Roots will form at the point of contact with the soil, and eventually, the rooted branch can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease Management
Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. interius (Britt.) A.& D. Löve is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Leaf Spot: This disease manifests as tiny brown or black spots on the leaves, which may merge and form large patches that cause leaf deterioration. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves, ensure adequate airflow around the plant, and avoid getting water on the leaves. Using fungicides may also help control the disease.
- Rust: Rust appears as yellow, orange, or red pustules on the underside of the leaves. To manage rust, remove the infected leaves, improve airflow around the plant, and avoid getting water on the leaves. Removing alternate hosts of the rust fungus in the vicinity may also help prevent the spread of the disease.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease causes a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves and stems. Management of powdery mildew involves removing infected parts of the plant, ensuring adequate airflow, and applying fungicides. Maintaining good plant hygiene, such as removing fallen leaves, can also manage the disease.
Pest Management
Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. interius (Britt.) A.& D. Löve is affected by various pests, including:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause distortion and yellowing of the leaves. Management of aphids involves removing the insects by hand, spraying with insecticidal soap, and introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
- Scale Insects: Scale insects cause yellowing and dropping of the leaves and can weaken the plant. Control measures for scale insects include pruning affected branches, removing adults by hand, and applying horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites can cause yellow mottling on the leaves and produce webs. Control measures for spider mites involve removing affected leaves, increasing humidity around the plant, and spraying with insecticidal soap.
