Description of Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride (Schmidt) E. Murr.
Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride (Schmidt) E. Murr. is a subspecies of the sugar maple tree, which is native to North America. It is commonly known as the green mountain sugar maple, or simply the green maple. This variety of the sugar maple is found in the northeastern region of the United States and in eastern Canada.
Characteristics and Appearance
The green mountain sugar maple is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall when mature. It has a rounded or oval-shaped canopy, with dense and symmetrical branches that extend from the trunk. Its leaves are the characteristic shape of maple leaves, with five lobes that are pointed at the tips and deeply serrated edges. The leaves are green in the summer, and turn shades of yellow, orange, and red in the autumn.
The bark of the green mountain sugar maple is gray-brown and smooth when young, but becomes rougher and more furrowed with age. The tree produces small flowers in the spring that are greenish-yellow in color. It also produces winged seeds known as samaras, which are dispersed by the wind.
Uses
The green mountain sugar maple is widely used for its high-quality wood, which is hard, strong, and durable. The wood is used for a variety of purposes, including furniture, flooring, and veneer. It is also used for producing maple syrup, a popular sweetener that is derived from the sap of the sugar maple tree.
Additionally, the green mountain sugar maple is often grown as an ornamental tree in parks, gardens, and along streets. Its attractive foliage and pleasing shape make it a popular choice for landscaping.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride (Schmidt) E. Murr. is a beautiful and useful subspecies of the sugar maple tree. It is known for its dense canopy, attractive foliage, and high-quality wood. Its sap is also a popular ingredient used to make maple syrup. The green mountain sugar maple is a valuable resource that has been enjoyed for centuries, and will likely continue to be a beloved tree for many years to come.
Light Requirements
Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride (Schmidt) E. Murr. typically grows best in partially shaded environments. Younger trees may require more shade compared to mature ones. Full sunlight can be detrimental to the tree's health, and it thrives in bright diffused light that filters through the canopy of other trees.
Temperature Requirements
These trees grow in cool temperature climates. They prefer to grow in areas where the air temperature ranges from 60°F to 75°F during the day and drops to 45°F to 55°F at night. If the temperature drops below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the tree may experience frost damage and will not grow well.
Soil Requirements
These trees grow well in soils that have a slightly acidic pH ranging between 5.0 to 7.0. The soil should provide excellent drainage, be rich in nutrients, and humus. The presence of organic matter in the soil helps the tree attain optimal growth. Adequate water availability is also necessary for optimal growth.
Cultivation
Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride (Schmidt) E. Murr. can be grown in a variety of soil types, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils, but prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It does best in full sun to partial shade, with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can be planted in the spring or fall, but fall planting is preferred.
Watering Needs
Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride (Schmidt) E. Murr. needs regular watering during the first year after planting to establish a healthy root system. As it matures, it becomes more drought-tolerant, but still requires supplemental watering during dry spells. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, and watering should be reduced in the fall to prevent winter damage.
Fertilization
Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride (Schmidt) E. Murr. benefits from annual fertilization in the early spring before new growth appears. A slow-release fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio (10-10-10) is recommended. Avoid using fertilizers with high nitrogen content, as this can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of root development.
Pruning
Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride (Schmidt) E. Murr. requires minimal pruning, but can benefit from occasional shaping to maintain a pleasing form and remove any dead or diseased wood. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any crossed or rubbing branches, as well as any branches that grow inward towards the center of the tree. This will promote good air flow and light penetration throughout the tree.
Propagation of Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride (Schmidt) E. Murr.
Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride (Schmidt) E. Murr. is commonly propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The cultivation of Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride (Schmidt) E. Murr. through seeds involves planting fresh seeds after stratification.
The seeds need to be collected in the fall. Then, they are to be cleaned and immersed in water. The floating ones must be discarded.
After this, the viable seeds should be stored in a cool and damp place until the spring for stratification. The stratification process can take approximately three months.
After stratification, the seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and they must be kept moist. Germination can take from one to three months.
Propagation through Cuttings
The cultivation of Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride (Schmidt) E. Murr. through cuttings can be done either through softwood cuttings during the growing season or hardwood cuttings during winter dormancy.
Softwood cuttings are taken during late spring or early summer from new growth. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long and must include a leaf or two. These cuttings are then treated with rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil with ample moisture. The rooting process will take four to six weeks.
Hardwood cuttings are taken during the winter while the plant is dormant. The cuttings should be about 10 to 12 inches long, and several of them must be placed in a container with moist sand, peat moss, or vermiculite. These containers are covered, and the cuttings should be kept in a cool location. After about three to four months, the cuttings will have formed roots and can be transplanted to individual containers with standard potting soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride
Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride, commonly known as Green sugar maple, is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause serious damage to the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect the Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride and ways to manage them effectively:
Common Pests
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause significant damage to the leaves of Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride. They are usually found on the undersides of the leaves and can cause discoloration, stippling, and webs. To control spider mites, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Make sure to spray the undersides of the leaves as well.
Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles can feed on the leaves of Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride and cause significant damage. It is important to control and manage this pest early. You can use insecticides or traps to manage Japanese beetles effectively. However, if you choose to use traps, make sure to place them away from the plant and near the perimeter of your garden.
Common Diseases
Tar Spot
Tar spot is a common fungal disease that can affect Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride. It manifests as black spots on the leaves, which can spread and merge to form larger spots. The best way to manage this disease is to maintain good cultural practices such as pruning, sanitation, and proper irrigation. You can also apply fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that affects Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride, causing leaf spots and blight. To manage this disease, it is essential to ensure good air circulation and to remove infected leaves and branches promptly. You can also use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Conclusion
Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride is a beautiful plant that is susceptible to various pests and diseases. It is important to identify and manage these problems early to ensure the continued health and beauty of the plant. Employing the right practices and methods can effectively control pests and diseases and help to maintain a thriving Acer saccharum Marsh. var. viride in your garden.
