Crataegus arnoldiana Sarg.
Crataegus arnoldiana Sarg. is a deciduous plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This plant is commonly known as Arnold hawthorn and is named after E. H. Arnold, an American botanist who collected the specimen in 1914 in southern Missouri.
Origin
This plant is native to the United States and can be found growing in the central Appalachians, particularly in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri and Arkansas. It is commonly found growing in rocky, open woods and on slopes.
General Appearance
The Arnold hawthorn plant can grow up to 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It has a rounded shape with a dense crown and a spreading canopy. The leaves of the plant are dark green and serrated with a lobed shape. In the spring, the plant produces small, white flowers that are clustered together. The flowers are followed by small, red berries that ripen in the fall.
Uses
The berries of the Arnold hawthorn plant are edible and have been used in traditional medicine to improve heart health and to relieve gastrointestinal problems. The plant has also been used to make tea and wine. In addition, the plant is commonly used as a landscape plant due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus arnoldiana Sarg. plant requires full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in places where there is plenty of sun exposure, but it can tolerate some shade during the day. However, too much shade can hinder its growth and cause it to become leggy and spindly.
Temperature Requirements
This plant likes to grow in areas with a temperate climate. It cannot withstand extreme cold or hot temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, but it may stunt its growth.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus arnoldiana Sarg. plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it grows best in fertile soils. It cannot thrive in wet or poorly drained soils. It is recommended to improve the soil's structure by adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure.
Cultivation Methods
The Crataegus arnoldiana Sarg., also known as Arnold hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub that is native to the United States. It can grow up to 25 feet tall and is relatively easy to cultivate. The best time to plant Arnold hawthorn is in the spring or fall, in moist and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers full to partial sun exposure and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. It can be propagated through seeds or softwood cuttings in the spring or early summer.
Watering Needs
Arnold hawthorn requires moderate watering, especially during the first growing season. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other problems. Once the shrub is established, it can tolerate dry conditions, but it still needs regular watering during hot and dry spells. It is recommended to water the shrub deeply and infrequently rather than shallow and frequently.
Fertilization
Arnold hawthorn does not require heavy fertilization, but it benefits from a yearly application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring. The fertilizer should be spread around the base of the shrub and watered thoroughly. Over-fertilizing can lead to lush growth that is susceptible to disease and pest infestations.
Pruning
Arnold hawthorn benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed, along with any crossed or rubbing branches. It is also recommended to prune back the shrub every few years to prevent it from becoming overgrown and to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Crataegus arnoldiana Sarg.
Crataegus arnoldiana Sarg. can be propagated by both seeds and cuttings. However, it is easier to propagate the plant through cuttings as it ensures the genetic quality of the parent plant and faster yields.
Propagation by Cuttings
The best time to take cuttings for propagation is during the winter when the plant is dormant. Select healthy branch tips that are free from disease and pest infestation. Cuttings with a length of 6 to 8 inches are suitable for propagation.
The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, while the top leaves are left intact to facilitate photosynthesis. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil or a sterile potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist.
It could take several weeks or months for the cutting to establish roots. You can check the progress by gently tugging the cutting. Resistance indicates that roots have been established, and the cutting can be transplanted to a bigger pot or outdoors in the garden.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds can also be used to propagate Crataegus arnoldiana Sarg. However, this method is not as efficient as cuttings due to the long time and strict requirements that seeds require for germination.
The seeds should be scarified with sandpaper or diluted sulfuric acid to break the seed coat for easier germination. Soak them in water for 24 hours before sowing them in moist soil. Cover the pot with plastic and place it in a warm location with indirect sunlight.
Germination could take several months, and some seeds may require a cold stratification period before they can sprout. Once the seedlings have grown to a considerable size, they can be transferred to a larger pot or the garden. It may take several years to achieve mature fruit-bearing trees through this propagation method.
Disease Management
Crataegus arnoldiana Sarg. is susceptible to various diseases that affect its growth and overall health. Some common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Fungal leaf spot: This disease causes circular spotted yellow or brown leaves with black fruiting bodies on the undersides of leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove infected leaves and increase air circulation around the plant.
- Cedar-hawthorn rust: This disease causes yellowing or spotting on leaves, as well as orange pustules on the undersides of leaves and stems. Managing this disease involves removing infected plant parts and planting resistant varieties.
- Fire blight: This bacterial disease causes the plant to wilt, turn black, and die. To manage fire blight, pruning infected branches at least 12 inches below the infected part can help stop the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Crataegus arnoldiana Sarg. is also susceptible to various pests that may affect the plant's health and appearance. Some common pests that affect this plant are:
- Hawthorn lace bug: This pest causes the plant's leaves to become stippled or covered with white or yellow spots. To manage this pest, it is recommended to use insecticidal soap or horticultural oils.
- Hawthorn psyllid: This pest causes yellow, twisted, and distorted leaves and can be managed by pruning off infected plant parts. Neem oil or insecticidal soap may also be used.
- Hawthorn spider mite: This pest causes yellowing leaves and webbing on the leaves and stems. Managing this pest involves using insecticidal soap or horticultural oils and increasing humidity around the plant.
