Origin
Negundo interius (Britt.) Rydb., also known as Interior Boxelder, belongs to the family of Aceraceae. The plant is native to North America, specifically found in the central and western regions of the United States and in southern Canada.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Interior Boxelder, Western Boxelder, or Mountain Boxelder.
Uses
Negundo interius (Britt.) Rydb. has some medicinal uses by native tribes. For instance, Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes used the plant as a remedy for diarrhea, while the Chippewa people used it to soothe body aches. The plant also serves as a source of food for wildlife, and its wood is used to make pallets and crates.
General Appearance
Interior Boxelder is classified as a deciduous tree that grows up to 13 meters in height. It has a rounded crown with a trunk diameter of up to 60 centimeters. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown with shallow furrows. The leaves are palmately compound, consisting of 3-7 serrated leaflets. They are green in color and turn golden-yellow in the fall. The flowers are yellow-green and located in clusters blooming in early spring. The fruit of the tree is a samara, a two-winged dry fruit that matures in summer, and it is dispersed by the wind.
Light Requirements
Negundo interius thrives in full sun conditions. It can also grow in partial shade, but it may not reach its maximum potential. Therefore, it is ideal to plant it in a location that receives direct sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Preferences
As a plant native to North America, Negundo interius can endure a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9, which indicates a range of minimum temperatures from -40°F to 20°F. However, it prefers temperatures between 60°F to 80°F.
Soil Requirements
Negundo interius can grow in various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Additionally, the plant tolerates soils with a high level of salinity, making it suitable for planting in coastal regions.
Cultivation Methods for Negundo interius (Britt.) Rydb.
Negundo interius (Britt.) Rydb. is an easy-to-grow plant that can be cultivated from its seeds. You can start the seeds indoors in seedling trays and transplant them outdoors or directly sow them in the garden. The ideal time for planting is in the spring or fall when the temperature is mild.
The plant prefers well-draining soil with moderate moisture and a pH range of 5 to 7.5. It thrives in full or partial sun areas, making it ideal for gardens, parks, and open landscapes.
Watering Needs for Negundo interius (Britt.) Rydb.
Negundo interius (Britt.) Rydb. requires moderate watering. The plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist, but it does not tolerate soggy soil. The frequency of watering depends on the weather conditions, humidity, and soil type. In general, you should water the plant once or twice a week.
To ensure the plant is receiving adequate water, check the soil condition regularly. Insert your finger into the soil to a depth of about two inches. If the soil feels dry, water the plant.
Fertilization for Negundo interius (Britt.) Rydb.
Negundo interius (Britt.) Rydb. grows well with regular fertilization. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer, and apply it during the growing season, usually from spring to early fall. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the best results.
You can also use organic fertilizer, such as compost and well-rotted manure. Apply the compost around the base of the plant and mix it with the topsoil.
Pruning Negundo interius (Britt.) Rydb.
Negundo interius (Britt.) Rydb. requires minimal pruning. However, it's recommended to prune the plant to improve its shape, promote branching, and remove dead or infected branches. Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before it starts to grow.
To prune the plant, remove the dead or crowded branches first. Then cut back any crossing or rubbing branches and trim the tips of the top growth to promote branching.
Use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid injuring the plant. After pruning, dispose of the pruned branches to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Negundo interius (Britt.) Rydb.
The Negundo interius (Britt.) Rydb., commonly known as the boxelder maple, is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall. It is native to North America and thrives in temperate climates. The tree is known for its distinctive foliage, which consists of green, compound leaves with three to seven leaflets. The boxelder maple can be propagated through several methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Boxelder maple seeds can be collected from mature trees in the fall and stored in a cool, dry place until planting in the spring. The seeds should be stratified for two to three months before planting to simulate winter conditions. To stratify seeds, place them in a plastic bag with a moistened paper towel, and store them in a refrigerator at 34 to 41°F. Seeds can also be stratified outside by sowing them in fall when temperatures naturally decrease.
In the spring, sow the stratified seeds in well-draining soil in a sunny location. The seeds should be covered with a layer of soil that is equal to their diameter. Water the soil regularly to keep it moist but not waterlogged. Young seedlings will emerge within two to four weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Boxelder maple can also be propagated vegetatively through hardwood cuttings or layering in early spring or fall. Hardwood cuttings should be taken from the previous season's growth and cut into six-inch sections. The leaves at the base of the cutting should be removed, and the bottom inch of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a moist, well-draining soil and kept in a bright, but not overly sunny, location. Roots should develop within six to eight weeks.
Layering involves bending a low-growing branch to the ground and scoring the underside of the branch. A small amount of rooting hormone can be applied to the scored area. The branch should be covered with soil, leaving the tip of the branch exposed. The branch should be kept moist and should develop roots within several months. Once roots have formed, the branch can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Negundo interius (Britt.) Rydb.
Negundo interius (Britt.) Rydb., commonly known as the boxelder maple, is a small tree or shrub native to North America and is commonly grown for its ornamental value. While this plant is generally hardy, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pest infestations that can cause significant damage if left untreated. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect Negundo interius, along with ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Verticillium Wilt: Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that affects several types of plants, including boxelder maple. Infected plants may show symptoms such as wilting, yellowing, and browning of leaves, as well as stunted growth. To manage Verticillium wilt, it is recommended to remove and dispose of any infected plant parts as soon as they are noticed. It is also important to avoid planting susceptible plants in the same area as infected plants.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf blotches, necrosis, and defoliation in several types of plants, including Negundo interius. To manage anthracnose, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Avoid planting susceptible plants in shaded areas as fungal spores thrive in wet, humid conditions.
Common Pests
Boxelder Bugs: Boxelder bugs are a type of true bug that feed on the leaves, stems, and seeds of boxelder maple. Infestations can cause significant damage to the plant and can even cause it to die. To manage boxelder bugs, it is recommended to remove any infested plant parts and apply insecticide as necessary.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of plants and feed on their sap. Infestations can cause leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and leaf drop. To manage scale insects, it is recommended to remove any infested plant parts and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil as necessary.
By following these disease and pest management tips, you can help ensure the health and vitality of your Negundo interius plant, while minimizing the risk of damage from pests and diseases.
