Description of Crataegus arborea Beadle var. ohioensis (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus arborea Beadle var. ohioensis (Sarg.) Kruschke, also known as the Ohio hawthorn, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family.
Origin
This tree is native to the eastern regions of North America, particularly Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
Common Names
The Ohio hawthorn has several common names such as Scarlet hawthorn, Washington hawthorn, and White haw.
Appearance
The Ohio hawthorn is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 10 to 20 feet tall with a 6 to 20-foot spread. It has a broad crown, and its branches are covered in sharp thorns that can grow up to two inches long. The leaves of the tree are ovate, glossy, and dark green with a serrated edge.
During the spring, the tree produces clusters of white flowers that are about 1 inch wide, and its fruit is a small, red or orange pome that can grow up to 1/2 inch in diameter. These fruits are edible and have a tart flavor.
Uses
The Ohio hawthorn is commonly used as an ornamental tree, especially in urban landscapes, as it can tolerate air pollution and compacted soils. The fruit of the tree can be used to make jams, jellies, and sauces.
The tree has also been used in traditional medicine, where its bark and leaves have been used to treat heart-related issues such as high blood pressure and chest pain. The Ohio hawthorn is believed to contain antioxidant properties, making it useful in preventing and treating several health conditions.
Growth Conditions of Crataegus arborea Beadle var. ohioensis (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus arborea Beadle var. ohioensis (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the Ohio hawthorn, is a small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This tree is native to the eastern United States, including states such as Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. The Ohio hawthorn requires specific growth conditions to thrive, especially in its natural habitat.
Light Requirements
The Ohio hawthorn tree grows well in full sunlight and partial shade. It is adaptable to a range of light intensities, and it can grow in various light conditions. However, it tends to perform best in full sunlight, which results in the production of more flowers and fruits.
Temperature Requirements
The Ohio hawthorn tree is adapted to grow in a range of temperatures, but it prefers a temperate climate. It grows best at temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F, which is typical of the eastern United States' climate. Extremely high or low temperatures can negatively impact its growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The Ohio hawthorn tree requires well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. It grows best in soils with a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 6.8, which is slightly acidic. Sandy loam soil and loamy soils are best for this tree. It can tolerate a range of soil textures, but it prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients.
Overall, the Ohio hawthorn tree is a hardy species that can tolerate various growth conditions. Adequate light, temperature, and soil requirements are essential for its optimal growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus arborea Beadle var. ohioensis (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the Ohio hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree that is native to the eastern United States. In its natural habitat, it is found in dry to moist soils and can tolerate a range of pH levels. When cultivating this tree, providing it with well-draining soil and ample sunlight is vital. It also prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Planting in the springtime when the soil temperature reaches 60°F is ideal.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is essential for the growth and health of the Ohio hawthorn. When first planted, it should be watered generously to help establish its roots. After that, watering should be done on an as-needed basis, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Keep in mind that overwatering can lead to root rot, so be careful not to water too frequently or too much at one time.
Fertilization
Applying fertilizer can promote healthy growth and development of the Ohio hawthorn. It is recommended to fertilize once in the early spring before new growth appears. Use a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen to encourage leaf and stem growth. Be sure to follow the instructions for application, as over-fertilization can damage the tree.
Pruning
Pruning the Ohio hawthorn tree is important to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote new growth. It is recommended to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a bud. Avoid removing more than a third of the tree's foliage in one pruning session. If you're unsure of how to prune your tree, seek guidance from a professional arborist.
Propagation of Crataegus arborea Beadle var. ohioensis (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus arborea Beadle var. ohioensis (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the Ohio hawthorn, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The tree is native to the eastern United States and can grow up to 30 feet tall. The Ohio hawthorn produces fragrant white flowers in spring and red berries in fall, which make it a popular ornamental tree.
Propagation Methods
The Ohio hawthorn can be propagated through several methods. The most common methods include:
Seeds
To propagate the Ohio hawthorn from seeds, collect ripe berries in the fall, remove the pulp, and dry the seeds. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. Plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. The seeds will germinate in two to three months.
Cuttings
Take cuttings from the Ohio hawthorn in the summer when the tree is actively growing. Make a clean cut on the stem, remove the lower leaves, and apply a rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist. The cuttings may take several months to root, so be patient.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method that requires a bit more effort. In the spring, select a healthy branch, scrape away a small section of the bark, and wrap it with sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap, tie it securely, and keep it moist. After a few months, roots will form, and you can remove the branch from the tree and plant it in a pot.
No matter which propagation method you choose, keep the young plants in a shady spot and water them regularly. Once they are established, transplant them to their permanent location in the garden.
Disease Management
The Crataegus arborea Beadle var. ohioensis (Sarg.) Kruschke plant is susceptible to various diseases, including apple scab, fire blight, cedar-apple rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. Apple scab and powdery mildew are prevalent in humid weather, while fire blight, cedar-apple rust, and leaf spot are common in warm, wet weather.
To manage apple scab, it is advisable to prune and remove all fallen leaves and twigs continually. Apply fungicides such as copper-based products during the bud break. In the case of fire blight, pruning and destroying infected branches will help. It's also advisable to avoid fertilizing the plant before the bloom because it may lead to the development of fire blight.
Cedar-apple rust can be controlled by removing all cedar trees in the area because cedar trees act as an alternate host of this disease. Powdery mildew can be controlled by planting resistant varieties, increasing air ventilation, and ensuring proper plant nutrition. Leaf spot can be controlled by pruning infected branches and destroying any fallen leaves.
Pest Management
Crataegus arborea Beadle var. Ohioensis (Sarg.) Kruschke can be affected by pests, including spider mites, caterpillars, and aphids. Spider mites damage the plant by eating the sap from the leaves, causing leaves to turn yellow and die off. Caterpillars cause damage to the plant by eating the leaves, and the Aphids suck the sap, leading to the formation of sooty mold.
To manage spider mites, it's advisable to treat the plant with insecticidal soaps, neem oil or pyrethrin. Caterpillars can be removed by hand or treated with natural predators, such as parasitic wasps or Bacillus thuringiensis. Aphids can be treated by spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or by introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
