Overview
Crataegus beata Sarg. var. opulens (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as Washington hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to eastern North America, specifically the Appalachian Mountains, and is found in abundance in regions of Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The plant holds particular significance in the culture of Native American tribes who have used its fruits and bark for traditional medicine.
Description
The Washington hawthorn typically grows up to a height of 16-20 feet. It has an upright and compact growth habit with a spreading canopy that provides excellent cover with an abundance of red to black fruits. Its branches are spiny and form a dense structure. Young twigs are brown in color and covered with downy hairs while older segments appear ash grey and smooth. Flowers bloom in May to June and are white with five petals and yellow stamens.
Common Names
In addition to Washington hawthorn, Crataegus beata Sarg. var. opulens (Sarg.) Palmer is known by several other common names. These include Black hawthorn, Thornapple, Scarlet haw, and Mountain hawthorn.
Uses
The fruits of the Washington hawthorn possess therapeutic properties that make them useful in traditional medicine. They have been consumed for centuries by Native Americans as a means of reducing heart palpitations, hypertension, and certain digestive ailments. They are also known to contain high levels of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. The fruits can be eaten raw, but they are often processed into jam, jellies, and syrups. The plant's hard wood is suitable for making tool handles, and the spiny branches provide excellent fencing material in rural areas.
General Appearance
The Washington hawthorn is a small, attractive tree with a rounded shape. Its leaves are deep green, glossy, and have a lobed appearance. The foliage turns red in the fall, making the plant an excellent ornamental addition to gardens and landscapes. The dense canopy provides ample shade in the summer, and the tree's spiny branches make it an effective barrier plant. The plant's red to black fruit is an essential source of food for a wide array of bird species and small mammals.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus beata Sarg. var. opulens (Sarg.) Palmer
Light: Crataegus beata Sarg. var. opulens requires plenty of direct sunlight to thrive. Partial shade may also be tolerated, but too much shade can result in stunted growth and poor fruit production.
Temperature: This plant is adaptable to a range of temperatures, but generally prefers a mild to cool climate with cool nights and moderate day temperatures. Temperatures above 80°F (27°C) can cause stress to the plant and adversely affect fruit development.
Soil: Crataegus beata Sarg. var. opulens can grow in a variety of soil types, but prefers well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The soil should be fertile, rich in nutrients, and high in organic matter. Avoid heavy, compacted soils or those with poor drainage.
Water: Adequate water is essential for proper growth and fruit production. The plant prefers evenly moist soil, but avoid excessive watering as this can lead to root rot or other fungal diseases. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering, but do not let it dry out completely.
Fertilizer: A moderate amount of fertilizer is recommended to ensure healthy growth and maximum fruit production. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and additional micronutrients such as iron and magnesium.
Pruning: Regular pruning is recommended to maintain a desired shape and to remove dead or diseased wood. Prune in winter or early spring while the plant is dormant, and avoid pruning during the growing season as this can stress the plant and inhibit fruit development.
Cultivation
Crataegus beata Sarg. var. opulens (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as the opulent hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub that grows well in full sun to partial shade. It is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loamy, and sandy soils, but it prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings, and it is best planted in early spring or fall.
Watering Needs
The opulent hawthorn requires moderate watering during the growing season. Deep watering once or twice a week is sufficient, especially during long dry spells. However, overwatering may cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. The soil should be allowed to dry between watering to avoid waterlogged roots.
Fertilization
The opulent hawthorn requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied in early spring, just before the growing season begins. Additional fertilizer applications may be necessary during the growing season, but the dosage should be reduced. Avoid applying fertilizer during the dormant season.
Pruning
Pruning the opulent hawthorn is necessary to maintain its shape, promote healthy growth, and increase blooming. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Dead, diseased, or crossing branches should be removed, and suckers arising from the base of the plant should be eliminated. The plant's canopy should be thinned to improve air circulation and light penetration. Less pruning is required as the plant matures.
Propagation of Crataegus beata Sarg. var. opulens (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus beata Sarg. var. opulens (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as Hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is native to North America and is popularly grown for ornamental purposes due to its fragrant flowers, attractive foliage, and vibrant berries.
Seed Propagation
Hawthorn plant seeds can be collected from ripe fruits and can be sown either in the fall or spring. They should be planted in well-draining soil, preferably sandy soil that has good moisture retention. The depth of planting should be twice the size of the seed, and the soil should be kept moist throughout the germination process.
Cuttings Propagation
Hawthorn plant can be easily propagated using hardwood cuttings. For this, hardwood cuttings about 12 to 15 inches long with a diameter of ¼ to ½ inch should be collected in late autumn, when the plant is dormant. The cuttings must be planted in well-draining soil, preferably sandy loam soil, and kept moist until roots are formed.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a common method of propagating Hawthorn as it ensures that the new plant retains the characteristics of the parent plant. It involves joining the stem of a desirable cultivar onto the rootstock of a seedling. The graft is then covered with a grafting compound, and the plant is allowed to establish before transplanting.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus beata Sarg. var. opulens (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus beata Sarg. var. opulens (Sarg.) Palmer is a beautiful, ornamental plant that adds value to any garden or landscape. However, it is vulnerable to various pests and diseases that can damage its growth and appearance. Some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant include the following:
Diseases:
Cedar-Apple Rust: This fungal disease affects the leaves, twigs, and fruit of the plant. It causes yellow spots on the leaves, and small, orange, gelatinous spots on the upper surface of the leaves. The disease can be managed by removing infected leaves and fruit from the plant, as well as by applying fungicide spray during the growing season.
Fire Blight: This bacterial disease affects the branches, twigs, and flowers of the plant. It causes the branches to turn dark brown and black, and the leaves to wilt and die. The disease can be managed by pruning the infected branches and applying copper-based fungicide sprays during the growing season.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease affects the leaves and stems of the plant. It causes a white powdery substance to form on the leaves, which can lead to leaf drop and stunted growth. The disease can be managed by removing infected leaves, improving air circulation around the plant, and applying sulfur-based fungicide spray.
Pests:
Apple Maggots: These pests are small flies that lay their eggs on the fruit of the plant. The larvae then burrow into the fruit, causing damage and spoilage. The pests can be managed by placing sticky traps around the plant, using insecticide sprays during the growing season, and removing fallen fruit from the ground.
Scale Insects: These pests are small, oval-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. The pests can be managed by applying horticultural oil or insecticide spray during the dormant season, and pruning and removing heavily infested branches.
Spider Mites: These pests are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. The pests can be managed by improving the humidity around the plant, using insecticidal soap or oil spray, and removing heavily infested leaves.
To keep Crataegus beata Sarg. var. opulens (Sarg.) Palmer healthy and thriving, it is essential to maintain good cultural practices such as proper watering, fertilizing, and pruning. Additionally, monitoring the plant regularly for signs of pest and disease infestation and taking prompt action can help prevent further damage to the plant.
