Overview of Crataegus arborea Beadle
Crataegus arborea Beadle is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This tree is commonly known as the "Washington hawthorn" or "mayhaw," and it is native to the eastern United States. This tree is widely cultivated for its ornamental value and its medicinal properties.
Appearance of Crataegus arborea Beadle
The Washington hawthorn is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 30 feet in height with a spread of 20 feet. The tree has a broad, rounded crown that is dense with foliage. Its leaves are glossy and dark green, which turn red or orange in the fall. The tree's bark is gray and smooth when it is young but becomes ridged and scaly as it ages. The tree also produces clusters of fragrant white flowers in the spring, which are followed by red or yellowish fruit in the fall.
Uses of Crataegus arborea Beadle
The Washington hawthorn has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. The tree's fruits, leaves, and flowers have been used to treat heart diseases, high blood pressure, and digestive issues. The fruit is also used to make jams and jellies because of its high pectin content. The tree's hard wood has been used for making tool handles, walking sticks, and fence posts. Additionally, the Washington hawthorn is widely planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks because of its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruit.
Light Requirements
Crataegus arborea Beadle thrives in full sun or partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for proper growth and development. The plant can tolerate some shade but too much shade reduces its vigor and flowering ability.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers moderate temperatures of about 35-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can cause damage to the foliage and flowers. On the other hand, temperatures below freezing point can cause the plant to suffer winter damage or death.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus arborea Beadle prefers well-drained soils that are fertile and rich in organic matter. The soil must be slightly acidic with a pH of between 5.0 and 6.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, from sandy to clay soils. However, it performs best in loamy soils that retain some moisture but are not waterlogged.
The plant also requires good air circulation to minimize the risk of fungal diseases. It is important to avoid planting the plant in areas with poor drainage or stagnant water.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus arborea Beadle, commonly known as the "Mayhaw," is best grown in full sun. It prefers well-draining, acidic soil with a pH of about 5.5 to 6.5. The plant can tolerate a range of soil conditions, from sandy to clay-like soils. It is also important to plant the Mayhaw in a location protected from strong winds, as it can make the branches brittle and break easily.
Watering Needs
The Mayhaw tree requires regular watering, especially during the first year when establishing its root system. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, during the growing season. In periods of drought, the Mayhaw tree will require more frequent watering to keep its leaves from drying out and its fruit from cracking.
Fertilization
Mayhaws do not require frequent fertilization, but it is advised to apply a complete, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth and fruit production. To avoid overfertilization, a soil test should be conducted to determine the nutrient needs of the plant. Applying too much fertilizer can result in excessive growth, which weakens the tree and increases susceptibility to diseases and pests.
Pruning
Pruning Mayhaw trees is essential to maintain a healthy tree structure and encourage fruit production. It is recommended to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as any crossing branches. Shape the tree by removing any suckers or water sprouts and thinning out the canopy to allow more light penetration and air circulation. By properly pruning the Mayhaw, the tree will be more resistant to pests and diseases and produce a more abundant crop.
Propagation of Crataegus arborea Beadle
Crataegus arborea Beadle, commonly known as the mayhaw, is a species of hawthorn tree native to the southeastern United States. It is a popular tree for landscaping and for its edible fruit. Propagation of this tree can be done through various methods discussed below:
Seed Propagation
You can propagate Crataegus arborea Beadle from seeds, which can be collected from the fruits during fall or winter. After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned and placed in a container of moist soil. The container should then be placed in a cool, dark area and kept moist until the seeds germinate, which can take up to two months.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagation for Crataegus arborea Beadle is through hardwood cuttings. You can take a cutting from a hardwood branch during the dormancy period in late fall or winter. Cuttings should be around 8-10 inches long and have at least three buds. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone to increase success rates and plant them in a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mixture of sand and peat. Keep the cuttings in a humid environment and well-watered until they develop roots.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting can also be done to propagate Crataegus arborea Beadle. You can graft a scion or bud of the desired cultivar onto a rootstock of a seedling hawthorn. The rootstock should be at least one-year-old and have a similar diameter to the scion. The scion and rootstock must be aligned and bound together, and then kept in a humid environment until the graft takes.
Disease Management
Some common diseases that can affect the Crataegus arborea Beadle plant include:
- Fabraea leaf spot: This disease causes black spotting on the leaves, which can lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Cedar apple rust: This fungal disease causes orange spots on the leaves and fruit of the plant. To manage this disease, remove any nearby cedar trees, which can act as a host for the fungus.
- Fire blight: This bacterial disease causes blackened leaves and twigs, which can eventually kill the whole plant. To manage this disease, prune affected branches and disinfect pruning tools between cuts.
To prevent disease in Crataegus arborea Beadle plants, ensure they are planted in well-draining soil and given appropriate space to prevent crowding. Additionally, avoid overhead watering and provide adequate air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Some common pests that can affect the Crataegus arborea Beadle plant include:
- Spider mites: These small arachnids can cause yellowing and stippling on the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or use an insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: These small insects can cause distorted leaves and stunted growth. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These larvae can eat through the leaves and can cause defoliation. To manage caterpillars, remove them manually or use a biological control like Bacillus thuringiensis.
To prevent pest infestations in Crataegus arborea Beadle plants, inspect the plant regularly for signs of pests and remove any affected plant parts. Additionally, avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can attract pests.
