Introduction:
Crataegus anomala is a plant species that belongs to the family Rosaceae, commonly known as the hawthorn family. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to Japan, Korea, and China. The plant is known for its ornamental value because of its beautiful flowers, foliage, and fruits.
Common Names:
Crataegus anomala has several common names that vary depending on the regions where it grows. In Japan, it is known as 'Takanebo' or 'Yamamomiji.' In Korea, it is called 'Jeokchulmok.' The plant is also commonly referred to as 'Ding' in Chinese.
Uses:
The plant has several medicinal uses in traditional medicine. The fruit of Crataegus anomala is used to treat digestive disorders, hypertension, angina, and other heart-related conditions. The leaves and flowers are used to make tea, which is believed to have a calming effect on the nerves and promote relaxation.
The plant also has ornamental uses, where it is grown for its aesthetic value. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies, making it an ideal choice for pollinator gardens. The fruits are also consumed by birds, making it a great plant for wildlife gardens.
General Appearance:
Crataegus anomala is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach a height of up to 6 meters. The plant produces dense, thorny branches that form a round or oval-shaped crown. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and have an oval or oblong shape, about 5 cm long. In autumn, the leaves turn to shades of yellow and red, adding to the plant's ornamental value.
The plant produces small, white or pink flowers that bloom in clusters in late spring. The flowers are followed by a small, round fruit that is about 1 cm in diameter. The fruit is red, and it ripens in late summer and early autumn.
The plant prefers moist, well-drained soils and grows best in full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and can withstand severe weather conditions, making it an ideal plant for gardens and landscapes.
Light Requirements
Crataegus anomala thrives in full sunlight. It prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and produce flowers and fruits. Insufficient sunlight can cause the plant to develop weak stems, fewer flowers, and fruits.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus anomala grows well in regions with a cool to a mild climate. It can survive and adapt to harsh hot or cold temperatures, but the plant prefers temperatures between 15°C to 25°C. Temperatures below -26°C can kill the plant, while temperatures above 32°C can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and poor growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers soil that is well-draining and fertile. It can adapt to a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. The ideal pH range is between 6.0-7.5. Crataegus anomala can tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline soils but will not grow optimally. To improve the fertility of the soil, adding organic matter such as compost or manure can be beneficial.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus anomala, commonly known as the May hawthorn, is a deciduous tree that prefers a well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.
The best time to plant Crataegus anomala is in the fall, preferably from September to late October. This allows the roots to establish well before the onset of winter. Plant the tree in a spacious hole that is twice the diameter of its root ball.
Watering Needs
Crataegus anomala requires moderate watering, especially during its first few years of growth. Irrigate the tree deeply to penetrate the root system once a week. Ensure that the soil is moist, but not water-logged.
During the hot summer months, increase the frequency of watering. If you reside in an area with rainfall restrictions, consider installing a drip irrigation system or mulching around the tree to conserve soil moisture.
Fertilization
Crataegus anomala thrives in nutrient-rich soil. A balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 should be applied around the base of the tree annually. The application should be done in early spring when the tree starts to come out of dormancy.
Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion, compost, or well-rotted manure. The organic fertilizers should be applied twice a year, preferably in spring and fall.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of care for Crataegus anomala. A light pruning annually is sufficient to keep the tree in good form. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before new growth sprouts. This allows you to see damaged or diseased limbs that require removal.
Remove dead, broken, and diseased branches and twigs. Also, cut any crossing limbs or branches that are growing inwards. However, avoid pruning more than a quarter of the tree's growth in one season as it can cause undue stress to the tree and reduce its bloom vigor.
Propagation Methods of Crataegus anomala
Crataegus anomala can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Crataegus anomala can be sown directly in the ground in fall or early spring. Before planting, the seeds need to be stratified for 90 to 120 days to break dormancy. The germination rate of fresh seeds is higher than old ones. The seedlings that germinate in spring are ready for transplanting in the following year. The seedlings can also be transplanted into pots for better growth.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method used for propagating Crataegus anomala. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer can be rooted in a well-draining, rich potting mix and kept under high humidity until new growth emerges. The cuttings usually root within 6-8 weeks and can be transplanted in the following spring.
Grafting
Grafting is a more common propagation method for cultivars of Crataegus anomala. Grafting involves uniting a sapling of the desired cultivar to a rootstock of another related species or cultivar. It can be done in late winter or early spring when the sap starts to rise. Grafting can create plants with desired characteristics like disease resistance, growth habit, and fruit quality.
With these propagation methods, it is possible to propagate Crataegus anomala and produce successful growth of new plants.
Disease Management
Crataegus anomala is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but it can still fall prey to various diseases. Below are some of the common diseases that affect this plant and how to manage them.
Fire Blight
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that can affect many plants, including Crataegus anomala. It shows up as blackened leaves, twigs, and branches that look as though they have been scorched by fire. To manage fire blight, prune the infected branches as soon as they appear and destroy them. Use sterilized pruning tools to avoid spreading the infection.
Cedar-Apple Rust
Cedar-apple rust is a fungal disease that appears as orange or yellow spots on the leaves of Crataegus anomala. The disease spreads through spores that are carried by the wind. To manage cedar-apple rust, remove any infected leaves and destroy them. Also, avoid planting the plant near cedar trees, as they are known to be hosts of the fungus. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that shows up as white, powdery spots on the leaves of Crataegus anomala. The disease thrives in humid conditions and can spread quickly. To manage powdery mildew, prune infected leaves and branches and destroy them. Ensure proper circulation of air around the plant by spacing them properly and avoiding overcrowding. Fungicides can also be used to control powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Crataegus anomala can also be attacked by various pests. Below are some of the common pests that affect this plant and how to manage them.
Apple Maggot
Apple maggot is a type of fly that can lay its eggs on the fruits of Crataegus anomala. Once the eggs hatch, the maggots burrow into the fruit, causing it to rot and drop prematurely. To manage apple maggots, use sticky traps and fruit bagging to prevent the flies from laying eggs on the fruits. You can also use insecticides to control the pests, but ensure that you follow the instructions carefully to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Eriophyid Mites
Eriophyid mites are tiny pests that can cause deformities on the leaves of Crataegus anomala. They can also cause the leaves to turn yellow or bronze. To manage eriophyid mites, prune the infected leaves and branches and destroy them. You can also use insecticidal soap to control the pests.
Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles are common pests that feed on the foliage and fruits of Crataegus anomala. They can cause severe defoliation, weakening the plant. To manage Japanese beetles, handpick them and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. You can also use insecticides to control the pests, but ensure that you follow the instructions carefully to avoid harming beneficial insects.
