Overview
Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. violaceum (Kirchn.) W.A. Weber is a medium-sized deciduous plant that is native to several parts of North America. It is known by several common names, including viola-leaf boxelder, maple-leaf boxelder, and violin maple.Appearance
The plant grows up to 10 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 45 centimeters. It has a broad, rounded crown with a spread of up to 8 meters. The branches of the plant are angled upwards, forming a wide, spreading canopy. The leaves are large, compound, and deciduous, with three to seven leaflets that are 7.5 to 15 centimeters long. The leaflets are ovate or oblong-lanceolate, dark green, and shiny on the upper surface, while the lower surface is paler and hairless.Origin
Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. violaceum (Kirchn.) W.A. Weber is native to eastern and central North America. The plant is commonly found in wetland habitats, banks of streams, rivers, and lakes.Uses
The plant has various uses. Its wood is used for furniture, tool handles, and fuel. The bark is used for tanning leather and dyeing. The sap is a source of sugar that can be used in food stores. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional medicine as a remedy for various ailments such as colds, fever, headache, and rheumatism. Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. violaceum (Kirchn.) W.A. Weber is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, parks, and landscapes due to its attractive foliage and spreading form. It can be grown in moist, fertile, and well-drained soils under full sun or partial shade.Growth Conditions for Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. violaceum (Kirchn.) W.A. Weber
Light: Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. violaceum (Kirchn.) W.A. Weber is able to grow in both full sun and partial shade. However, it prefers to grow in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature: This plant can grow in a range of temperatures from 20°C to 35°C, but it prefers temperatures between 25°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 15°C.
Soil Requirements: Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. violaceum (Kirchn.) W.A. Weber grows in a variety of soil types but prefers well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. It can grow in sandy soils, loamy soils or clay soils. The optimum soil pH range for this plant lies between 6.0 to 7.5, but it can grow in soils with pH levels ranging from 5.5 to 8.5. The soil should also be moist but not waterlogged, as excess moisture can lead to root rot.
Water Requirements: Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. violaceum (Kirchn.) W.A. Weber requires regular watering during its initial growth stage. However, once established, it can tolerate periods of drought.
Fertilizer: This plant responds well to regular fertilization during the growing season. A slow-release fertilizer applied in spring provides the necessary nutrients for the entire growing season. The amount and type of fertilizer required depends on the soil quality and condition.
Propagation: Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. violaceum (Kirchn.) W.A. Weber can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. The best time for seed germination is in late winter or early spring. Softwood cuttings taken from the plant in early summer root easily under high humidity and bright light conditions.
Cultivation Methods
The Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. violaceum (Kirchn.) W.A. Weber is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance and is relatively easy to grow. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining, loamy soil. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, and it is advisable to plant it in the spring after the last frost.
For container planting, choose a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the plant's root system. Fill the pot with a high-quality potting mix that is rich in organic matter and has good drainage.
Watering Needs
The Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. violaceum (Kirchn.) W.A. Weber requires moderate watering. It can tolerate drought to some extent but thrives in moist soil. Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant does not require frequent fertilization. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring when new growth appears, following the manufacturer's recommendations. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant.
Pruning
The Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. violaceum (Kirchn.) W.A. Weber requires little pruning. However, it is advisable to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches whenever they occur. Pruning in the spring after the last frost can promote bushier growth and improve the appearance of the plant.
To shape the plant, trim the new growth to the desired shape, taking care not to remove more than one-third of the plant's total foliage. Avoid pruning in the fall as it can stimulate new growth, which may not harden off before the winter, leading to damage or death of the plant.
Propagation of Negundo aceroides ssp. violaceum
Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. violaceum (Kirchn.) W.A. Weber, commonly known as boxelder maple, is a deciduous tree native to North America. Propagation of this plant is possible through various methods including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds are the simplest and most common method of propagation for Negundo aceroides ssp. violaceum. The seeds can be collected from the tree during the autumn season when the fruit is mature. The collected seeds should be sown immediately, or they can be stored in a cool and dry place until the next planting season. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist for proper germination.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from the young, succulent branches of Negundo aceroides ssp. violaceum during the early summer season. The cuttings should be around 8-10 inches long and should have at least 2-3 nodes. The leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be removed, and hormonal rooting powder can be applied to the base of the cutting before planting it in well-draining soil. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist for proper rooting of the cutting.
Propagation through Grafting
Grafting is a more complicated propagation method that requires more expertise and skill. Negundo aceroides ssp. violaceum can be propagated through grafting onto rootstock of another maple tree. The grafting should be done during the dormant season, and the plant should be kept in a warm and humid environment until the graft is successful.
Disease and Pest Management for Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. violaceum (Kirchn.) W.A. Weber
Negundo aceroides (L.) Moench ssp. violaceum (Kirchn.) W.A. Weber is a tough and hardy plant that can tolerate a range of environmental conditions. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth, productivity, and health. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Negundo aceroides and some ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Negundo aceroides is leaf spot, which is caused by the fungus Phyllosticta negundinis. The disease is characterized by the appearance of small brown spots on the leaves that can merge and form larger areas of dead tissue. To manage leaf spot, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene by removing infected plant debris, pruning affected branches, and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides can also be applied to prevent the spread of leaf spot.
Another disease that affects Negundo aceroides is Verticillium wilt, which is caused by the fungus Verticillium albo-atrum. The disease is characterized by the yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and eventual death of the plant. To manage Verticillium wilt, it is important to plant resistant cultivars, maintain good soil drainage, and avoid over-fertilization. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Negundo aceroides is also susceptible to attacks from a range of pests, including aphids, scales, and borers. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and the production of sticky honeydew. To manage aphids, it is important to introduce natural predators like ladybugs into the garden, prune affected branches, and use insecticidal soaps or oils to control the population of the pests.
Scales are another type of pest that can affect Negundo aceroides, especially during the summer months. They are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant, causing wilting, leaf drop, and stunted growth. To manage scales, it is important to prune affected branches, use horticultural oils to suffocate the pests, and introduce natural predators like Lacewings and Ladybugs into the garden.
Borers are another type of pest that can affect Negundo aceroides, especially during the spring and summer months when the larvae tunnel into the branches and feed on the sap of the plant. This can cause wilting, yellowing of leaves, and eventual death of the plant. To manage borers, it is important to prune affected branches, use pheromone traps to lure and catch the adult insects, and apply insecticides to control the population of the pests.
