In the Field
A Newsletter from Waverly Farm
Mycorrhizae - the mutually beneficial relationship between the
plant and root fungus
The “Cool” Plants
The Perfect Hedge
Summer 2016
Mycorrhizae
By Jerry Faulring
literally means “fungus”–“root” and defines the mutually beneficial
relationship between the plant and root fungus. These specialized
fungi colonize plant roots and extend far into the soil. Mycorrhizal fungal filaments in the soil are truly
extensions of root systems and are more effective in nutrient and water absorption than the roots themselves.
More than 90 percent of plant species in natural areas form a symbiotic relationship with the beneficial
mycorrhizal fungi.
There are major classes of mycorrhizae and many types within the classes. One type grows into the
root forming a root
extension while
another grows around
the root system. Both
provide benefit but
the actual extension
of roots provides the
greatest benefit.
There are
numerous
mycorrhizae
products available
for both landscape
construction and all
manner of nursery
production. A
thorough read of the
available literature
suggests that this
industry produces
good, better, and best
products with some
possibly shipping mostly dead product. Much research aimed at inoculation of planting soils has produced
limited positive results in some cases and none in others. Some nursery field growers move soil from
adjacent wooded areas to their growing fields to inoculate the soil.
Composted manures can contain mycorrhizal populations. We amend our soils with 120 tons of compost
per acre before each planting rotation but have never sought to prove the existence of viable mycorrhizae
populations.
“Mycor”–“rhiza”
Researchers have long known that significant plant benefits exist when mycorrhizae are present in the soil.
However, at least some researchers will state that the more they know the more research is required to truly
understand this phenomenal development of nature.
My research indicates that we should be cautious primarily for two reasons; first the production and
delivery of live mycorrhizae products is challenging, and second, research shows that consistent, repeatable
soil inoculation is even more challenging. Further, efficacy may not be obvious.
2
What we need to know before getting
started with mycorrhizae: (2)
Benefits of Mycorrhizae: (1)
• Enhanced plant efficiency in absorbing water and
nutrients from the soil.
• Reduced fertility and irrigation requirements.
• Increased drought resistance.
• Increased pathogen resistance/protection.
• Enhanced plant health and vigor, and minimizing
stress.
• Enhanced seedling growth.
• Enhanced rooting of cuttings.
• Enhanced transplant establishment.
• Improved phytoremediation of petroleum and heavy
metal contaminated sites.
• Not all plants are mycorrhizal; lists are available on
the internet.
• Most plants will grow and survive without
mycorrhizae.
• If one inoculates plants with mycorrhizae,
don’t assume benefit; several other soil
conditions may result in robust growth
conditions.
• From the previous fact, proof of benefit does
not always translate to all production or
landscape situations.
• The expense of inoculation may exceed the
benefits and one should evaluate the use of
mycorrhizae just as one would evaluate any
other production input.
• Application of mycorrhizae does not guarantee
inoculation which can usually be verified only
by microscopic or DNA evaluation.
• If mycorrhizal inoculation is the goal, one
must prove successful inoculation occurs
before continuing.
• Once plants become mycorrhizal there is no
guarantee they will remain so.
• Benefits incurred in a production system does
not guarantee transfer to the landscape.
• Changes in environmental and cultural factors
can alter mycorrhizal status in the plant.
• Mycorrhizae success in early plant
development may not continue as a plant
matures.
Does this all sound a bit confusing and contradictory? The benefits and
advantages cited by Davies would encourage me to jump right in. Yet the
facts listed by Scagel and Lindeman cause me to proceed with extreme
caution. Most of us are not in a position to prove that we have successfully
inoculated the plants. Unlike soil amendments with fertilizer or compost
which usually produce near-term visual proof of efficacy, it appears that we
may have difficulty assuring success with mycorrhizal inoculation.
It is not my intention to discourage the use of mycorrhizae. For me, based
on the facts, I would be very cautious before spending money for product
and labor to achieve a potentially elusive, verifiable benefit. I would be
pleased to hear from anyone who has proven successful inoculation.
Sources:
(1)
Dr. Fred Davies, Texas A&M University
(2)
Carolyn Scagel and Robert Linderman, USDA-ARS Horticultural Crops Laboratory, Corvalis, Oregon
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Designing with cool plants
By Jessica Ahrweiler
A
s many growers do, we have a diverse inventory of material. Over
time a grower becomes known for specific items. For instance,
I receive a lot of requests for our Viburnum, Lilac, and Boxwood.
Hollies are our number one seller. Throw in a couple of Dogwood,
a Heptacodium or Beech and the order is good to go! Occasionally,
someone asks me… for a “cool” plant. One such recent request inspired
me to draw up a list of some of our material I think are cool to share with
all.
These plants may or may not hold high esteem with their plantpeers, we may never know. To me, a “cool” tree has unique and inspiring
characteristics, uncommon to the typical LA’s repertoire. They might
have bright and unusual coloring, or grow in a unique habit. These are
the trees that would make great centerpieces, or perfectly placed as a
focal point near an outdoor living space. Place the irregular evergreen
off to one side of the kitchen window so you always have a funky plant
friend as you wash dishes in the winter. Slip a blue Deodar Cedar in view
of the pool to draw on the calming effects of ‘cool’ colors desired during
poolside relaxation.
Whatever my imagination conjures up, I’m sure you can find
equally creative uses for some of these funky-fun, COOL plant ideas.
I hope these plants inspire!
Cedrus deodara ‘Sander’s Blue’
Picea orientalis ‘Aureospicata’
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Picea orientalis ‘Aureospicata’
Until recently our singular specimen of P.o. ‘Aureospicata’ has escaped
my attention by hiding away in a random row of Redbuds. This handsome
spruce’s new flush emerge yellow, vibrant against the dark green mature
foliage. Purple cones compliment the yellow tones. In
spring, it is a beautiful specimen. (See picture on page 4)
Cedrus deodara ‘Sander’s Blue’
If you like the blue of the Colorado spruce you will like
this Deodar Cedar. The new flush is vibrant blue that fades
to darker blue at maturity. This is the bluest of the Deodar
Cedars. Ours are currently tall and sleek, though eventually
they grow to about 40’x 25’. (Picture on page 4)
Cedrus atlantica
‘Kroh’s Twisted’
Cedrus atlantica ‘Kroh’s Twisted’
This Atlantic Cedar has green foliage similar to the species.
Its difference lies in how the needles and branch tips curl
and twirl about. It seems few people know about this one,
but I’d love to finally sell one of these… any takers??
Picea abies ‘Pendula’
Pinus strobus ‘Pendula’
It’s certainly a unique one, adapting an irregular, weeping
form. It has blue-green to gold-ish needles. You can train it
to grow as you want…train it upright, or let it trail along the
ground.
Pinus strobus ‘Contorta’
Also named Pinus strobus ‘Torulosa’, this one has
twisty needles on an open, irregular form.
Pinus strobus ‘Contorta’
Pinus strobus ‘Pendula’
Picea abies ‘Pendula Upright Blue’ or
‘Pendula’
Thin figures with weeping branches offer the unique
caricature-esque profiles that I suggest posting as silent
sentinels outside the kitchen window. There is such
variety among each individual one, that you can have a
lot of fun choosing one with the perfect shape for your
spot! We stake ours so they grow upright. They are
also extremely adaptable to most conditions.
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Green Arrow’
I’ve had multiple people say these look like “Dr. Seuss”
trees… that’s cool right?? The full base emits a strong
upright leader, very much a downward-pointing arrow.
If anyone wants to re-enact “Blue Fish, Two Fish, Three
Fish, I Fish”…this is the tree for your garden. In all
seriousness though, this is a handsome, dwarf Alaskan
Cedar that is highly tolerant to cold-exposed areas and
clay soils. It has fragrant foliage and can make a unique
focal point in any setting.
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Green Arrow’
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Columnar Ilex ‘Dragon Lady’ - The Perfect Hedge
A consistant request is for hedge material. Evergreen with an exact height and width, of course. We offer the
perfect solution. We trim a series of our Ilex ‘Dragon Lady’ to uniform columns that are 100% hedge ready.
With the precise maintainence given to these upright columns twice a year, our hedge form Ilex ‘Dragon Lady’
are incredibly dense and meticulously shaped. They also remain easy to maintain if you want to keep a specific
height.
Ilex ‘Dragon Lady’ -maintained as hedge form.
Waverly Farm is a 200 acre field production nursery. We grow over 400 different plants with a focus on large landscape
size material of above average quality.
Our single mission is to deliver quality plant material in an atmosphere of exceptional service, trust, and friendship. We take
great pride in customer relationships, going all out to develop a mutually beneficial partnership with our customers; it’s not
work- it’s what makes this such a rewarding endeavor.
The Waverly Farm growing system is a point of great pride. Twelve years ago we belonged to the ‘sea of sameness’ for field
growing strategies. A long standing goal has been to leave the farm better than we found it. What has evolved is a growing
system that builds and replaces soil sold with our plants while dramatically enhancing their transplant-ability and survivability.
Contact Info:
Jessica Ahrweiler - Sales & Marketing
[email protected]
Waverly Farm
1931 Greenfield Road
Adamstown, Maryland 21710
Lisa DeRamus - Accounting & Admin.
[email protected]
Office (301) 874-8300
Fax
(301) 874-8302
Tiffany Senseman - Shipping & Admin.
[email protected]
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