Origin
Crataegus aestivalis (Walt.) Torr. & Gray is a species of hawthorn that is native to the eastern and central regions of North America, including the Great Plains, Midwest, and southeastern United States.
Common Names
Crataegus aestivalis is commonly known as Eastern Mayhaw, Summer Haw, and Mayhaw Berry.
Uses
The Mayhaw Berry is primarily used for food, including jellies, jams, and sauces. Its small and tart berries have a unique flavor that is highly sought after and enjoyed by many. The tree also has some medicinal properties, including the ability to help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
General Appearance
The Crataegus aestivalis is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that can reach up to 30 feet in height. It has a rounded crown and a trunk that can grow up to 10 inches in diameter. The tree has a gray-brown bark with vertical furrows and narrow, zigzagging ridges. The leaves are simple, lobed, and serrated with a glossy dark green color that turns shades of orange and red in the fall. The flowers of the tree are white and grow in clusters in the spring. The Mayhaw Berry is a small, red fruit that ripens in early summer and is approximately the size of a cherry.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus aestivalis
Crataegus aestivalis, commonly known as the Eastern Mayhaw, is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to the southeastern United States. In the wild, it is found in wet bottomlands, swamps, and along stream banks. To cultivate this plant properly, certain growth conditions should be provided.
Light Requirements
Crataegus aestivalis thrives in full to partial sunlight. It needs a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and develop properly. In areas with hot summers, it may benefit from some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Soil Requirements
The Eastern Mayhaw prefers moist, acidic, and well-draining soils. A pH range between 5.0-7.0 is ideal. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil should never be allowed to dry out completely. Regular watering may be necessary during periods of drought.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus aestivalis is hardy to USDA zones 6-9. It requires a minimum temperature of -10°C (14°F) during the winter months to thrive. In areas with extremely cold winters, it may experience some dieback of the top growth. However, it typically recovers in the spring if the roots are still healthy.
Fertilizer and Pruning
Crataegus aestivalis does not require much fertilizer. A balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer applied in the spring is sufficient. It is recommended to prune the branches in late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth and a desirable shape. It is also important to remove any damaged or diseased branches promptly to prevent the spread of disease.
Cultivation
Crataegus aestivalis, commonly known as the Eastern Mayhaw, is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 30 feet tall. It prefers to be grown in moist and well-drained soils, and can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soil conditions. Planting should be done in the spring or fall when the soil is moist, with a spacing of at least 10 feet between each tree or shrub. The plant requires full sun to grow, but can also tolerate partial shade.
Watering Needs
Watering needs for Crataegus aestivalis vary based on the climate and soil conditions. The plant requires regular watering during the first few years after planting, especially during dry periods. Once the plant is established, it is more tolerant of drought conditions. However, during periods of prolonged drought, the plant may require supplementary watering. It is important to water at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering, which can lead to increased disease susceptibility.
Fertilization
Fertilization of Crataegus aestivalis is important to promote healthy growth and fruit production. A balanced fertilizer, with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, should be applied once per year in the early spring. The application rate should be based on the diameter of the trunk at breast height, with one pound of fertilizer for each inch of trunk diameter. The fertilizer should be scattered evenly around the base of the plant and should be watered in thoroughly.
Pruning
Pruning of Crataegus aestivalis is essential to maintain the size and shape of the plant, and to promote fruit production. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Dead or diseased wood should be removed, and any crossing branches should be pruned to promote an open growth habit. The plant can be pruned into a tree form or a multi-stemmed shrub depending on the desired look. It is important to avoid over-pruning, as this can lead to reduced fruit production and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Propagation of Crataegus aestivalis (Walt.) Torr. & Gray
Crataegus aestivalis (Walt.) Torr. & Gray, commonly known as the eastern mayhaw, is a small deciduous tree or shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The plant is native to the southeastern region of the United States.
Propagation Methods
There are two primary methods of propagating Crataegus aestivalis - seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Crataegus aestivalis is through seed propagation. The plant produces small red berries that contain seeds. Collect the berries when they ripen in late summer. Before planting, soak the seeds in water for a day or two to soften the seed coat, which will speed up germination. Plant the seeds in well-draining soil in the fall, about 1 inch deep. Water the soil well and keep it moist until the seeds germinate, which can take up to six months. Once the seedlings have grown, transplant them into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Crataegus aestivalis. This method involves taking a cutting from a mature tree or shrub and rooting it until it forms roots. The most appropriate time to propagate through this method is during the winter when the plant is dormant. Take a cutting that is 4-6 inches long and remove all the leaves except the top few. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and carefully plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a shaded area. In about six months, the cutting should form roots, and you can then transplant it into a larger pot or directly into the soil.
No matter which method of propagation you choose, proper care of the tree or shrub is essential. Water the plant regularly and make sure the soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. With proper care, your Crataegus aestivalis plant will thrive and grow into a beautiful specimen.
Disease Management
Crataegus aestivalis is generally a hardy plant and is not susceptible to many diseases. However, some common diseases that might affect the plant include fire blight, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and apple scab.
To manage fire blight, infected areas should be pruned, and the pruned areas disinfected to prevent the disease from spreading. Leaf spot can be controlled using fungicides. Powdery mildew can be treated with fungicides, while apple scab can be managed by applying copper-based fungicides in the early stages of infection.
Pest Management
Crataegus aestivalis is also not highly susceptible to pests. But some pests that might affect the plant include aphids, mites, and scale insects.
Aphids can be managed by using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil spray. Mites can also be controlled using these treatments. Scale insects can be managed by using insecticides or by pruning and disposing of infected plant parts. Additionally, maintaining good cultural practices, such as proper irrigation and fertilization, can help to keep the plant healthy and less prone to pest infestations.
