Origin:
Crataegus balkwillii Sarg. is a flowering plant native to North America specifically found in the eastern part of the United States such as Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as Balkwill's Hawthorn, in honor of Albert F. Balkwill, who was a plant collector who first discovered the plant species.
Uses:
The plant is cultivated as an ornamental plant and used for landscaping purposes. It is also used for medicinal purposes as the plant contains several bioactive compounds that are effective in treating heart-related problems. The fruit of the plant is also edible, and it is used to make jams and jellies.
General Appearance:
Crataegus balkwillii Sarg. is a deciduous shrub or small tree which can grow up to a height of 10-15 feet. The leaves of the plant are alternate, simple, and serrated, ranging from 1-1.5 inches long. The flowers are small, white, and grow in clusters. The fruit is a red or dark purple pome that is around 0.8 inches in diameter and contains a seed inside. The tree has a dense and rounded crown, with branches that are thorny.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus balkwillii Sarg.
Crataegus balkwillii Sarg., also known as the Balkwill's hawthorn, is a small, deciduous tree that is endemic to North America. This tree species is typically found growing in open woods and rocky hillsides. In order for it to thrive, certain growth conditions must be met.
Light
The Balkwill's hawthorn requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In shady areas, the tree may grow more slowly and produce fewer flowers and fruits, while in areas with too much direct sunlight, it may become dried out and possibly even die. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the tree in areas where it will receive ample sunlight for most of the day, but also have some shading during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature
The Balkwill's hawthorn is a hardy tree species that can tolerate a wide range of temperature conditions. However, it grows best in areas with mild to cool climates. This tree can tolerate frost and temperatures as low as -15°C, but it may suffer damage from very low temperatures and heavy snowfall. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the tree in areas with average annual temperatures between 5°C and 20°C.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus balkwillii Sarg. prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as the soil is well-drained. The tree can also tolerate moderate drought conditions, but it should be watered regularly during extended dry periods. It is best to avoid planting the tree in areas with poorly drained soils or areas that are prone to waterlogging as this can cause damage to the tree's roots.
Cultivating Crataegus balkwillii Sarg.
Crataegus balkwillii Sarg., commonly known as Balkwill's hawthorn, is a beautiful deciduous tree native to China. The tree thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9 and grows up to 30 feet tall with a spread of up to 20 feet. Balkwill's hawthorn grows well in full sun and partial shade, making it an ideal addition to mixed borders and woodland gardens.
Watering Crataegus balkwillii Sarg.
Crataegus balkwillii Sarg. prefers well-drained soils and moderate moisture levels. The tree requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during prolonged dry spells. However, do not overwater the tree as it can lead to root rot. You can check if the tree needs watering by feeling the soil's moisture level, and if it feels dry, go ahead and water the tree.
Fertilizing Crataegus balkwillii Sarg.
For optimal growth and blooming, fertilize Crataegus balkwillii Sarg. in spring before new growth begins. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, following the manufacturer's instructions. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduce flower production.
Pruning Crataegus balkwillii Sarg.
Pruning Crataegus balkwillii Sarg. is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The pruning aims to remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches. You can also shape the tree by removing any crossing branches or those growing inward. Do not remove more than a third of the tree's branches during pruning to avoid stunting growth and reducing flower production.
Propagating Crataegus balkwillii Sarg.
Crataegus balkwillii Sarg. is a hardy deciduous plant that is well suited to a wide range of growing conditions. Propagation of the plant can be done through several methods to ensure that there are enough plants to meet the demand. Here are some propagation methods for Crataegus balkwillii Sarg.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature fruit in late summer to early winter. The seeds can then be stratified in a cool, moist environment for three to four months to break dormancy. Once they have stratified, the seeds can be planted in a well-draining pot or seed tray and covered with a thin layer of soil. They should be kept moist and in partial shade until they germinate.
Cuttings
Another propagation method is through hardwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings should be taken from the plant in late winter or early spring. The cuttings should be approximately 8-10 inches long and have a diameter of at least a quarter of an inch. They should then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in partial shade until they have rooted.
Grafting
Grafting is a propagation method that involves joining a scion from a desired plant onto a rootstock of a closely related plant. The rootstock provides the plant with a strong root system while the scion contributes the desirable traits. Grafting should be done in early spring using a dormant bud or greenwood scion. The scion should be attached to the rootstock using a grafting tape, and the plant should be kept moist and in partial shade until it has rooted.
Disease Management
Crataegus balkwillii Sarg. is susceptible to various diseases, such as:
Fungal Leaf Spots
Fungal leaf spots, caused by fungi such as Diplocarpon and Entomosporium, can affect the leaves of Crataegus balkwillii. Symptoms include circular spots with brown or purple centers and yellow halos. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
Cedar-Apple Rust
Cedar-apple rust, caused by the fungus Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae, can cause orange, spore-filled spots on leaves, as well as stem and fruit deformation. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, plant resistant cultivars, and apply fungicides.
Fire Blight
Fire blight, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, can cause wilting, discoloration, and death of leaves, flowers, and branches. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, prune infected branches, and apply bactericides or antibiotics.
Verticillium Wilt
Verticillium wilt, caused by the soilborne fungus Verticillium dahliae, can cause yellowing, wilting, and death of leaves and branches. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid stressing plants with drought or injury, and apply soil fumigants.
Pest Management
Crataegus balkwillii Sarg. is also susceptible to various pests, such as:
Mites
Mites, such as spider mites and rust mites, can cause discoloration and distortion of leaves and fruits. To manage these pests, spray with acaricides, avoid overhead watering, and remove and destroy infected plant parts.
Scale Insects
Scale insects, such as cottony cushion scale and San Jose scale, can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves and branches. To manage these pests, prune affected branches, apply insecticides, and release natural enemies, such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Aphids
Aphids can cause stunted growth and curling of leaves. To manage these pests, spray with insecticides or blast with water, release natural enemies, and avoid over-fertilizing plants.
Proper disease and pest management practices can help keep Crataegus balkwillii Sarg. healthy and thriving.
