Among the 200 species, one maple stands out with remarkable attributes. Ever since ash maple arrived in Europe in the 17th century, it has taken the hearts of gardeners by storm. This profile brings you closer to a maple with charismatic beauty and charisma.
The ash maple comes from North America
Botanical systematics and appearance
The growth potential of ash maple is on a par with the native Norway maple (Acer platanoides). The deciduous tree owes its name to a leaf shape that is unusual for maples. The following profile summarizes what distinguishes the popular maple species:
- Genus maples (Acer) within the family Sapindaceae
- Name of the species: Ash maple (Acer negundo)
- Origin: North America, mainly between Florida and Ontario
- Deciduous tree, mostly multi-stemmed with a loose, rounded crown
- Leaf shape: imparipinnate with 3 to 5 lobed pinnate leaves, varieties with variegated foliage
- Growth height: 10 to 15 meters
- Annual growth: 40 to 80 cm, under ideal conditions up to 150 cm
- Flowers: pendulous, yellowish to red, in March before leaves shoot
- Fruits: nutlets with wings at an acute angle
- Seeds: deadly poisonous to horses and donkeys
- Winter hardiness: frost hardy down to - 32 degrees Celsius when old
- Use: Pioneer tree, park and garden tree
The pure species has developed into an important part of the floodplain forests in Central Europe without human influence. Ash maple is one of the few trees that can cope with short-term flooding. Acer negundo is therefore often used when problematic ruderal areas and damp locations need to be greened.
Premium variety Flamingo makes the garden shine
With its spreading crown and majestic shape, ash maple as a pure species is too large for normal home gardens. Thanks to successful breeding with a growth height of 500 to 700 cm, the American maple can be admired in numerous gardens today. The variety name Flamingo refers to the white-green variegated leaf color with a delicate pink border.
A sunny location near a pond is welcome for the distinctive ash maple. In the large pot, it adorns the terrace and balcony with its beautiful foliage. In contrast to most of its conspecifics, flamingo a regular topiary is desirable so that the ornamental foliage retains its color.
tips
Its beauty and vigor do not protect the ash maple from diseases. In particular, fungal infestations such as powdery mildew and maple wrinkle scab cause headaches for home gardeners. Good to know that these infections can be controlled with simple measures. Acer negundo and its magnificent varieties have so far been spared the dreaded sooty bark disease.