I caught the bug.My big Bloodgood mother tree gave me 100 little seedlings this spring. I`m just learning that I can graft JM branches (scions) on non-Jm rootstock. So does this also mean my native silvers,sugars ect trees won`t cross pollinate my Bloodgood tree? Are JM trees self pollinating? I`m also using rooting cups to air layer a few woody branches. A test cutting just dropped into willow bark soaked water. This is all so interesting !
What rootstock are you using? JMs are self-pollinating. They will not cross with native maples, except for Acer circinatum. In general, plants are only genetically compatible with species in their genetic Section. JMs are in Section Palmata. Red maple, for example, is in Section Rubra. No crossing between the two. However Acer circinatum and Acer palmatum are in Section Palmata, and can cross with each other.
Acer circinatum (Vine Maple) are not native to the east coast . I don`t see a JM tree close to my street but of course there could be one nearby. As far as rootstock I thought I was using the Maple tree (weeds) in my garden but now I see that is wrong. Rootstock isn`t in the picture yet for me.Maybe some of the seedlings I found in the lawn,maybe I`ll buy a few.My main concern is getting the seedlings and cuttings thru the winter this year. Thanks for your fast reply.I at least have a good chance of having some good Bloodgood seedlings without cross pollination.
Bear in mind that propogation of JMs by cuttings is more difficult than most plants and generally requires specialized techniques for a successful outcome. Most Japanese maples cultivars are grafted for a reason. Air-layering, on the other hand, is a good method for getting a few clones of a tree. I believe upstate NY has cold winters, if your seedlings are in pots they will need extra winter protection, for example in an unheated garage. Good luck.
Thank you maf, I have a slightly above freezing but damp cellar. An unheated garage and garden beds I could bury the pots into.
