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Description
Acer Negundo Flamingo, also known as Box Elder, is a deciduous tree native to North America. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 45 feet, with a spread of 30 feet. The tree has an open, irregular and rounded canopy, and a trunk that is usually short and multi-stemmed. The bark is light grey and smooth, with shallow furrows that run vertically.The leaves of the Acer Negundo Flamingo are its most distinctive feature. They are light green, with a pink margin that fades to white. As the leaves mature, the pink color fades to green, creating a beautiful variegated effect. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow, adding a burst of color to the landscape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Aceraceae |
| Genus | Acer |
Appearance
The Acer Negundo Flamingo has a unique appearance due to its variegated leaves. The leaves are palmate with three to seven leaflets, and each leaflet is about 2 to 5 inches long. The pink margins on the leaves are most prominent in the spring and early summer, gradually fading as the season progresses. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in the spring, followed by winged seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Care Guide
Water: Acer Negundo Flamingo requires regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. The tree should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions.Fertilization: The tree does not require a lot of fertilization, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring to promote healthy growth.Soil: Acer Negundo Flamingo prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5.Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade.Hardiness Zones: Acer Negundo Flamingo is hardy in zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
One common pest that can affect the Acer Negundo Flamingo is the boxelder bug. These insects feed on the sap of the tree and can cause damage to the leaves and branches. The tree can also be susceptible to verticillium wilt, which is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves to wilt and die. To prevent these issues, it is important to keep the tree healthy through proper watering and fertilization.
Habitat
Acer Negundo Flamingo is native to North America, where it can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, riverbanks, and open fields. The tree is often used in landscaping due to its unique appearance and fast growth rate.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Acer Negundo Flamingo be planted in a container?
A: It is possible to plant Acer Negundo Flamingo in a container, but the tree will require regular watering and fertilization to stay healthy.Q: How often should I prune my Acer Negundo Flamingo?
A: The tree can be pruned in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. It is important to avoid over-pruning, as this can cause stress to the tree.Q: Does Acer Negundo Flamingo attract wildlife?
A: The tree can attract birds and butterflies with its flowers and seeds.Q: How fast does Acer Negundo Flamingo grow?
A: Acer Negundo Flamingo is a fast-growing tree and can grow up to 3 feet per year.
Related Plants
- Acer platanoides (Norway Maple)
- Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)
- Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)
- Acer rubrum (Red Maple)
References
- “Acer negundo.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 28, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a648.
- “Boxelder.” Arbor Day Foundation. Accessed July 28, 2021. https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=862.
- “Boxelder Maple.” University of Minnesota Extension. Accessed July 28, 2021. https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/boxelder-maple.
