Foster, J.H. Perhaps in some years berry production exceeds a threshold and is so high that even a great number of seed foragers may miss individual or entire stands of trees with abundant berry production. pp. Analysis of trees less than 40 years old showed those with a long history of heavy browsing by goats were significantly smaller in size at a given age than those from pastures with a history of light browsing (Table 5). Managing Ashe juniper at a landscape level to provide its values where desired and to reduce its impacts where needed is the preferred, though difficult, approach to its management. The general geographic range of the species has probably not changed greatly since the time of settlement. 1917. Prescribed grass burning for Ashe juniper control. vaseyana (Buckl.) In the latter case, increase in size and numbers may be slowed by herbaceous competition but invasion of juniper is ultimately possible. (Editor) 1982. They were placed in nylon bags and either positioned on the soil surface or buried 1 to 2 cm below the soil surface. Historical soil erosion due to overgrazing, droughts and other factors may increase the heterogeneity of sites making them more susceptible to woody plant invasion. Large trees may produce between 100,000 to 250,000 berries per tree. Turner 1970. Gehlbach, F.R. Southwestern Naturalist 38:141-145. Edwards Plateau Vegetation – Plant Ecological Studies in Central Texas. Near Uvalde, Texas, 40 trees were marked that had abundant seed production. Biogeochemical consequences of livestock grazing in a juniper-oak savanna. M.S. 1966. Alternatively, it may limit soil erosion on many sites including steep slopes of canyons where other vegetation cover cannot grow or is sparse (Wright et al. Brush Sculptors: an appreciation for brush? Documented increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide since the 1850’s, which may favor growth conditions for juniper and other woody species, compared to the warm season grasses, may also be a factor (Emanuel et al. They grow at a moderate rate of about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm.) There are fewer large berry producing trees in these pastures which further reduces the opportunity for new recruitment. Fogg 1961. (this volume). University of Texas Press, Austin 1104 p. Weniger, D. 1984. Soc. Different trees have different purposes and needs. Mature Size The white ash grows to a height of 50–80' and a spread of 40–50' at maturity. Observation and most studies indicated that Ashe juniper has great potential to re-establish. Because the Texas Ash has a wide spread, the branches will grow out wide, weighing the entire tree down. Smeins 1997. Life history refers to the set of adaptations of an organism that more or less directly influence its survival and reproductive success. Cold-stratification of seeds with the fruit removed increased overall germination from 0 (non-stratified) to 15% (cold-stratified) across all trees and sample dates. At 1.5 m height (10 to 20 years of age) seeds are produced and as plants increase in size they regularly produce large quantities of seeds. The majority of this increase also occurred from 1973 to 1985 which agrees with the period of time of greatest increase in growth of individual trees described above. For example, several large trees on the Sonora Research Station in 1989-90 (wet year) produced 50,000 to 200,000 berries per tree, while in 1990-91 (dry year) they produced fewer than 1,500 berries and in 1991-92 (wet year) they all produced in excess of 100,000 berries (Table 1) (Chavez-Ramirez 1992). Leaves on young shoots and seedlings are spiny and awl-like and may be up to 12 mm long. Which species to plant . Rykiel, E.J. var. Nuttall Oak Others grew rapidly at first and then greatly reduced their growth rate. Presence of the berry resulted in no germination of stratified or non-stratified seeds. Some authorities feel that Ashe juniper is closely related to one-seeded juniper (Juniperus monosperma (Engelm.) For Ashe juniper information is available for some of these parameters while for others they remain unknown or are currently being analyzed. He found high densities of Ashe juniper seedlings in heavily grazed grasslands and concluded that the low grass biomass due to grazing reduced interference for establishment of juniper seedlings and also reduced fire potential. Greatest densities were under female junipers followed by male trees and oak mottes. Samples from several pastures across the Sonora Station collected in 1993 showed all pastures, regardless of grazing regime or stocking rate, to have about the same level of woody canopy cover (40%) and Ashe juniper contributed >50% of the composition. Plus, once established, they are drought tolerant with little to moderate watering needs. (from Fuhlendorf 1992). and B.L. Seed longevity and mechanisms of regeneration of eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana L.). 144p. In Texas, it is found in greatest abundance on the eastern and southern portions of the Edwards Plateau, but also extends into the Central Mineral Region, Grand Prairie, Cross Timbers and North Central Prairies Ecoregions (Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board 1991). 6. This is perhaps a result of the still existing browse line on these previously heavily browsed plants which now provides a better light environment for seedling survival. This, of course, has to be integrated with proper grazing management strategies. A recent investigation near Comfort, Texas suggests that grazing and the presence of grass vegetation, may influence seedling survival different from the conclusions of Van Auken (1993). Journal of Range Management 33:60-65. This treatment also had the lowest juniper density and cover. Collectively this resulted in rapid canopy cover increase from 1973 to 1985 that continues today. Churchill, and W.C. Stevens 1975. Thus, removal of large trees by mechanical methods not followed by burning or other practices may result in rapid replacement of the removed plants. For example, one tree expressed little growth from 1955 to 1973 but then increased in size by 42 m2 from 1973 and 1985, a rate of 3.50 m2/yr. The zone from the stem base to near the canopy edge typically has little herbaceous production or it is very low, generally less than 5 gm/m2. Flowers are typically produced between December and February with pollen release and pollenation occuring during this time. Bryant V.M. They may more readily establish in heterogeneous, rocky, relatively, open sites, however, they can and do establish on relatively deep soils with a continuous cover of vigorous herbaceous plants. ׀@₪K"ְ��T�ְ ֵֽ©סFP‹«�pֵ¸ן¨bַֹֿ׃ ִp�לDעS÷סְֹ¢� *ֶ’ְh„Bׂ�2�rְrוּ. Rate of increase in height of the tree 2. Southwestern Naturalist 31:73-78. The weakened, open herbaceous cover could be less resistant to juniper invasion following droughts when favorable rainfall conditions return. In. Not only do all these animal species consume the seeds but large numbers of ingested seed avoid destruction by mastication or digestive processes and pass intact through the animal and exit with the feces. Increased size and numbers of Ashe juniper plants in a community greatly alters the production, composition, and diversity of other woody and herbaceous species. All data are presented in metric units; See the appendix at end of chapter for conversion to english units. Size distribution patterns and potential population change of some dominatn woody species of the Edwards Plateau region of Texas. The Explorer’s Texas – The Lands and Waters. I have a Texas Ash that I bought 2 years ago. Cold stratification significantly increased average germination to 45%. Marsh, W.M. Bulletin of Torr. White, Texas Agricultural Extension Service, College Station, TX. View Map. Canopy cover and density of woody plants was determined for pastures on the Texas A&M Research Station that have had 3 different grazing histories since 1948 (Tables 2 and 3). itself on sites from which it has been removed and in the absence of fire to spread to sites that it historically did not occupy. Texas Ash is a smaller, more drought tolerant relative of White Ash, F. americana. Primary agents of long distance dispersal are birds and mammals. Ashe juniper does, however, serve as cover and food for many wildlife species. The medium-sized green ash grows relatively quickly, gaining 24 inches in height in a single growing season. 4. Shafer 1977. Deer and domestic livestock may consume large quantities of berries, particularly when other forages are of limited availability or quality. Rate of increase in diameter of the tree 3. The origin of Ashe juniper is not known although most believe it to be part of the southwestern Madrean Evergreen Woodland that occurs in Mexico and extends into New Mexico and the Southwestern U.S. (Brown 1982). Green ash trees are among the most adaptable trees that are native to this country. It features a spreading canopy capable of blocking sunlight and adds visual interest and beauty to landscaping. Journal of Range Management 29:294-298. Reinecke (1996) found, however, that seeds kept in the laboratory for up to 24 months retained the same levels of germination as immediate post-collection germination trials. The growth rates given below are for trees growing in conditions that suit them well. Trees Recommended for Texas by Dr. William C. Welch. Smeins 1992. Rate of increase in volume of the tree 5. Shugart, and M. Stevenson 1985. Hardwood red cedar clusters in the postoak savanna of Texas. Ash Tree Average Growth Rate Trees of the Ash species are classified as moderately fast growing due to their ability to grow between 18 and 25 feet in a single decade. Thesis, Dep. Oikos 71: 40-46. By Dr. William C. Welch, Landscape Horticulturist Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. Ashe juniper size and density was significantly affected by grazing history (Table 3). Cook 1986. It appears that favorable precipation during the late spring-early summer period is related to the degree of germination of seeds produced in that year. Selected life history and synecological characteristics of Ashe juniper on the Edwards Plateau of Texas. Owens, M.K. Butler University Botanical Studies 14:9-28. Interpretation of aerial photographs from 1955, 1966, 1973 and 1985 provide an assessment of longterm change in Ashe juniper numbers and canopy cover for selected sites on the Texas A&M Research Station at Sonora. Fruit production of four large Ashe juniper trees over a three year period. Some were highest in the fall, others in mid-winter and other in late-winter. & Rupr. 7. Rate of increase in cross-sectional area of the tree stem 4. Samples were collected from near the stem base, the edge of the canopy and in open areas away from the canopy (Figure 4). Although first production of seeds occurs at approximately 1 to 1.5 m in height or 10 to 20 years, as their age and size increase their quantity of seed production increases. This is Fannin Tree Farm’s Top 5 list of Best Texas Trees to Plant. Sharik 1984. A comprehensive study of Texas watersheds and their impacts on watter quality and water quantity. Where one large tree occurred a cluster of small plants can develop. �יy€QG Thus, reestablishment in previously occupied areas, as well as spread into new sites is an ongoing process particularily in the absence of periodic fires. It occurs primarily on calcareous, shallow, rocky soils derived from limestone and dolomitic parent materials, although it can also grow on sandy, granitically derived soils (Vines 1960). Since no fires have occurred in these pastures since 1948, it appears that long-term grazing does not contribute to the increase in woody plants and may actually inhibit it. M.S. Ring counts, as estimates of age, were then related to plant height and canopy diameter for each tree to determine age/size relationships (Table 5). Bulletin of Texas Archeological Society 48:1-25. Thirty-five percent of total cover was contributed by other woody species in the heavy browse pasture and the majority of that was made up of Texas persimmon (Diosporous texana Scheele) and algerita (Mahonia trifoliata Moric. Following the drought of the 1950’s Merrill and Young (1959) evaluated the impact of the drought on woody species mortality and survival. 8. Since European settlement large areas of cedar brakes have been harvested for fence posts and other purposes (Cartwright, 1966), but following harvest Ashe juniper tends to rapidly reestablish itself (Huss 1954, Weniger 1984). It is capable of growing taller in its native habitat. 4. 1-15. Figure 5 is a schematic side view diagram which illustrates the interaction of the browse line, litter depth and understory herbaceous foliar cover for a tree with a history of heavy browsing verses one that has a history of no browsing (Fuhlendorf 1992). On the other hand, Ashe juniper was apparently of minimal density in many areas, particularly on the divide portions of the central and northwestern Plateau (Smeins 1980, Weniger 1984, Smeins et al. Native ... Texas ash Classification . The american mountainash can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 2–5. Rudloff, E.V. Percent juniper cover increased from less than 1% in 1955 to over 12% in 1985 (Table 4). Most of the viable seeds were considered to be seeds produced in the most recent seed crop. Texas Ash Tree Problems. Seeds were germinated after receiving the following treatments: (1) no treatment; (2) berries fed to goats, raccoons and robins and seeds collected from the feces; (3) berries mechanically removed from the seeds. Wright 1975. Southwestern Historical Quarterly 70:247-255. Rangeland Ecology and Management, Texas A&M Univ., College Station, TX. This Fan Tex Ash growth rate is fast, and they have a tolerance for pollution so that they are an excellent choice for urban areas. Transformation from a grassland to a woodland dominated landscape occurs when fires are absent, regardless of grazing treatment. this volume). It would appear that much of the Edwards Plateau could succeed to nearly closed canopy stands in the absence of periodic disturbances, such as fire. Cartwright, W.J. Blomquist, K.W. Gehlbach. Amos and F.R. These seeds were the result of seed rain from several previous seasons. During fall the foliage has nice color. View Map. Mature height: up to 40-feet. Growth Rate: Rapid : Water Needs: Moderate: Tolerances: Salty soil or sea-spray, drought, alkaline soils (pH > 7.5) Attributes: Texas native, reliable fall color: Features: Fall color is yellow, orange, and purple. Rangeland Ecology and Management, Texas A&M Univ., College Station, TX. It grows on limestone bluffs from Dallas in north central Texas west and south through central Texas. American robins (Turdus migratorus) and cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedorum) are important bird foragers primarily because of their very high winter populations in the Ashe juniper region (Chavez-Ramirez and Slack 1993, 1994). Ashe juniper is a small, non-sprouting, evergreen, dioecious tree that occurs primarily on limestone substrates from Central America to Missouri with its center of abundance within the Hill Country of Texas. The trees varied in age from 11 to 77 years. The number of seeds in the leaf litter and top 8 cm of mineral soil beneath 18 large female Ashe juniper trees was determined on the Texas A&M Research Station at Sonora. Small, inconspicuous flowers are located terminally on branches. Trees were cut at ground level with a chainsaw and cross-sections were removed from the base to determine annual ring counts. No allelopathic effects have been shown to be produced by the litter. and V.A. Ash Trees are generally thought of as trees for cooler climates, growing best in moist soil, but not the Texas Ash. When heavy goat browsing has been a factor in a pasture, a browse line is created on the juniper which alters their influence on herbaceous production and cover as compared to unbrowsed plants (Fuhlendorf 1992). and shin oak (Q. pungens Liebm. Fuhlendorf (1992) found similar levels of increase in Ashe juniper using interpretation of aerial photographs on an entire grazing exclosure on the Station. 1). 224 p. Wink, R.L. Van Auken, O.W. Vines, R.A. 1960. Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, Temple TX. Growth Rate This tree grows at a slow rate, with height increases of less than 12" per year. Table 5. Texas ash trees are small trees growing up to 32 ft. (10 m) tall. Percent cover of woody species for different grazing histories. A wild fruity harvest? Growth Rate: Fast: Hardiness: 10°F: Notes: Description. Your source for accurate tree information. Biotic Communities of the American Southwest – United States and Mexico. Staminate flowers are 4 mm long with 12 to 18 stamens; they are brown in color. Merrill 1988. 1969. Soil seed bank of a semi-arid grassland under three long-term (36 years) grazing regimes. As with most ecological phenomena, the increase of Ashe juniper is most probably an interaction of all these factors (Smeins et al., this volume). With redder shades on the outside and yellows on the inside, the whole tree looks like a candle flame (Sally Wasowski, Native Texas Plants, Landscaping Region by Region). Young 1959. Density (no/ha) and percent cover of juniper canopies at 4 dates over a 30 year period. The Texas Ash has 2 to 4 inch long rounded leaves that have a medium to fine texture and retain a deep green color. It produces dark green, three- to six-inch-long leaves that are divided into multiple leaflets to form a dense, rounded canopy. The reason for the contrasting results is uncertain, however, it is believed, and inspection of field placed seeds agrees, that in the field dessication, bacterial and other degrading factors seem to destroy the seeds after 18 months. Continuous deep soil with a vigorous, continuous herbaceous plant community can slow the rate of ingress but apparently not prevent it, particularly if periodic fires and/or intensive browsing does not occur. Most seedlings occur under mature, large female trees either because of a favorable establishment environment or reduced herbivory impacts. Forests and woodlands of the Northeastern Balcones Escarpment. 11. and T.L. Fedda). Middle-aged Velvet Ash. This combination of events i.e. Drawbacks: Susceptible to diseases that affect the leaves and appearance of the tree. What do you want from your trees? The understory of browsed plants has more light penetration, less litter accumulation and generally more herbaceous production and species diversity than unbrowsed plants. Kinucan, R.J. and F.E. 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Are young, the bark is smooth models of grassland/woodland Vegetation dynamics are presented in metric units ; the... Peak of germination of stratified or non-stratified seeds growing in conditions that suit them.. Reduces herbaceous plant competition for establishing juniper seedlings is discussed in more detail by Taylor et.! 50–80 ' and a broad zone of nearly white sapwood 1992, and. By goats, had the lowest juniper density and cover of cool season grasses, such as wintergrass. Plants before they produce seeds is an important forage component for livestock and white-tailed deer during time. Wide, weighing the entire tree down no allelopathic effects have been to. Than waxwings, due to their different post-foraging behavior ( Chavez-Ramirez 1992, Chavez-Ramirez Slack... Dry ) than 2 M in height experienced no death loss and catclaw (! 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