Vine maple witches broom

[Cruiser]

Host tree has a singular trunk approximately 5” diameter. 20’ tall.

Broom emerges at 5’ as a burl-like mass with 4 or 5 main branches.
Main branches transition into finely ramified clusters of growth.
Nodes are much shorter than usual for the species. Dead leaves appear 1-2” wide.
Host tree is growing normally above the broom.

Ideas for collecting in Spring:
-Set up a few layers at different locations on the broom. Some tourniquet some girdle.
-Take cuttings
-Cut the tree off above the broom, then dig it up.

Does anyone have tips or suggestions for collecting these?







Dead segments sample

 

[19Mateo83]

Wow, what a find! I’m wondering how the brooms will air layer and how the cuttings will do. Those tight internodes are pretty awesome for a vine maple. Loads of potential there.

 

[andrewiles]

My experience with vine maples is that the dwarf cultivars which stem from witches brooms, like Little Gem and Rainy Day, are slow and challenging to develop from cuttings. However, they air layer easily and grow well from that point. So, I'd forgo cuttings and the other extreme of taking the entire base. Instead, first try an air layer on one of the side branches.