Re: acer???


----- Original Message ----- From: "alison" <alikat@hol.gr>
To: "Mediterannean Plants List" <medit-plants@ucdavis.edu>
Sent: Saturday, March 25, 2006 10:09 PM
Subject: acer???


Can anyone identify this tree for me? The tassels appear first followed by the new leaves which are a bright green colour

Hi Alison

I am personally unfamiliar with Acer negundo but I read it differs in its leaves from any other American species. The leaves are pinnate with up to seven leaflets (similar to some wild roses) unlike the familar 3-lobed form of all the others. Doubtless, if you can go and look at the tree when it has leved out fully, this would be easy to check.

The spectacular flower tassels make me think however the identification as A.negundo is quite probably correct, as they seem to be a feature of this species. One book I have describes them as 8-10 inches long and quite attractive and showy.

I also note a warning that the plain green leaved form, which is the wild version of this species, can grow very vigorously. There are a number of garden cultivars with variegated foliage and these are it seems much easier to control. On the other hand the wild form is drought resistant and about the only Maple which is also resistant to wind!

Moira
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index