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Description:
Acer Barbatum, commonly known as the southern sugar maple or Florida maple, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Sapindaceae. This tree is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida, where it thrives in moist, well-drained soils of swamps, riverbanks, and other wet areas.The Acer Barbatum tree can grow up to 60 feet tall and 30 feet wide, with a rounded canopy and a straight trunk that can reach up to 2 feet in diameter. It has a dense crown of dark green leaves that turn into a beautiful orange-red color in the fall. The tree’s bark is grayish-brown with shallow furrows and ridges.
Taxonomic Information:
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Acer |
Appearance:
The Acer Barbatum tree has a distinct appearance, with its dark green, three-lobed leaves that turn into vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow in the autumn. The leaves are 3-5 inches long and wide and have serrated edges. The tree produces small, yellow-green flowers in early spring that give way to double-winged, papery samaras (seeds) that are 1-2 inches long.
Care Guide:
To ensure the health and vitality of your Acer Barbatum tree, you must provide it with the right care. Here are some essential tips to follow:Water: Water your tree regularly, especially during the hot summer months. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize your tree once a year in the spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer.Soil: The Acer Barbatum tree thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a pH level between 4.5-7.5.Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade but can tolerate some shade.Hardiness Zones: The Acer Barbatum tree can grow in hardiness zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases:
The Acer Barbatum tree is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:Pests: Aphids, scale insects, and spider mites can infest the tree, causing leaf damage and discoloration.Diseases: Anthracnose, leaf spot, and powdery mildew are common fungal diseases that can affect the tree’s leaves.To prevent pests and diseases, practice good tree care, including regular pruning and removing any dead or diseased branches.
Habitat:
The Acer Barbatum tree is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. It grows in a variety of habitats, including swamps, riverbanks, and other wet areas.
Question and Answer:
Q: Can Acer Barbatum grow in dry soil?
A: No, this tree thrives in moist, well-drained soils.Q: What is the best time to plant Acer Barbatum?
A: The best time to plant this tree is in the fall or early spring.Q: How often should I water Acer Barbatum?
A: Water your tree regularly, especially during the hot summer months. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Q: Is Acer Barbatum a fast-growing tree?
A: No, this tree grows at a moderate rate of 1-2 feet per year.
Related Plants:
Here are some related plants to Acer Barbatum:- Acer rubrum (Red maple)- Acer saccharinum (Silver maple)- Acer saccharum (Sugar maple)- Acer palmatum (Japanese maple)
References:
– “Acer barbatum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=p600.- “Acer barbatum.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/st247.- “Acer barbatum.” United States Department of Agriculture. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ACBA4.
