Overview of Crataegus ×brevipes Peck (pro sp.)
Crataegus ×brevipes Peck (pro sp.) is a small deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a hybrid of two species of hawthorns, namely, C. crus-galli L. and C. punctata Jacq. The common names of this plant include cockspur thorn and dotted hawthorn. It is a popular ornamental plant that is native to North America.
Appearance of Crataegus ×brevipes Peck (pro sp.)
The cockspur thorn tree is notable for its dense, sharply toothed foliage that appears in a variety of colors, including deep green, bronze, and reddish hues. It can grow up to 15 to 25 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide. The branches of this tree are covered in long, flat thorns that can reach up to 2 inches in length. During springtime, the cockspur thorn tree blooms small white flowers that come in clusters of three or four.
Uses of Crataegus ×brevipes Peck (pro sp.)
The cockspur thorn tree has a plethora of uses in the cosmetics, agriculture, and medicinal industries. For example, its leaves, flowers, and fruit have high concentrations of antioxidant compounds that are useful in skin care products. In agriculture, the plant is a valuable addition to shelterbelts and windbreaks because it is highly adaptable to different soil types, weather conditions, and pests. Furthermore, the fruits of the cockspur thorn tree are rich in vitamin C, pectin, and flavonoids, which make them ideal for jams, jellies, and other culinary dishes.
Notably, the cockspur thorn tree has been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat heart disease, high blood pressure, and digestive disorders. This is because the plant contains active compounds like procyanidins and flavonoids that may have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. However, more research is needed to validate these claims and determine the potential risks and benefits of using cockspur thorn tree extracts for medicinal purposes.
In conclusion, Crataegus ×brevipes Peck (pro sp.) is an ornamental plant that has gained popularity due to its hardiness, adaptability, and multipurpose usage. With its striking looks and health benefits, this plant is truly one of a kind.Light Conditions
The Crataegus ×brevipes plant generally requires full sunlight exposure for its growth. However, it can tolerate partial shade as well. The minimum light requirement for the plant is at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight every day, especially during the morning hours.
Temperature
This plant prefers to grow in a temperature range of 10°C to 30°C. It can tolerate cold temperatures up to -40°C. However, it may require some protection during the winter months in regions with severe winter conditions. During the summers, the plant will thrive in regions with moderate temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus ×brevipes thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is favorable for its growth. The plant can tolerate slightly alkaline soils as well. It is important to note that this plant does not grow well in heavy clay soils due to their poor drainage properties.
Lastly, this plant's soil should be moderately moist, and regular watering should be done to keep the soil moist but not water-logged. However, it can tolerate brief periods of drought once it is established.
Cultivation of Crataegus ×brevipes Peck
Crataegus ×brevipes Peck, also known as cockspur hawthorn, is a small ornamental tree or shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil for optimal growth.
It is best to plant the cockspur hawthorn in the fall or early winter when the plant is dormant, giving it time to establish its roots before the growing season begins. When planting, ensure that the crown of the root ball is at or slightly below ground level.
Watering Needs
The cockspur hawthorn requires moderate watering, about 1-2 inches of water per week. However, the plant is quite drought tolerant, so be careful not to overwater as it can lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply and thoroughly, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent diseases, especially during humid weather.
Fertilization
The cockspur hawthorn is not a heavy feeder and can thrive in poor soils. However, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring if you want to improve its growth and overall vigour. Apply a balanced (10-10-10) or a low-nitrogen (5-10-10) fertilizer at a rate of 1 pound per inch of trunk diameter, spread evenly around the drip line of the tree.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of the cockspur hawthorn's cultivation. You should prune the tree when it's young to develop a strong structure. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as those growing inward or crossing over each other. Also, shape the tree into a desirable form or maintain it as a shrub by pruning it to the ground after a few years.
Mature trees require minimal pruning, but you can still remove deadwood or diseased branches at any time of the year. Avoid heavy pruning, particularly during the growing season, as this can lead to stress and reduce the plant's vigor.
Propagation Methods for Crataegus ×brevipes Peck
Crataegus ×brevipes Peck is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. As a hybrid plant, it is propagated through different methods that include:
Semi-Hardwood Cuttings
Semi-hardwood cuttings method is mostly used during the late summer and early fall. It involves taking a cutting with two leaves and removing one of the leaves. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a potting mix of equal parts perlite and peat moss. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment and misted occasionally. It takes about eight weeks for the cuttings to develop roots.
Softwood Cuttings
This method is mostly used during spring and early summer when the plant is actively growing. It involves taking a cutting of new softwood growth with two to three sets of leaves. The cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist and placed in indirect sunlight. It takes about five to six weeks for the cuttings to develop roots.
Seed Propagation
Crataegus ×brevipes Peck can also be propagated through seed. The seeds should be stratified, which involves keeping them in the refrigerator for three months before planting. After stratification, the seeds can be planted in well-draining potting soil and placed in indirect sunlight. The potting soil should be kept moist. It takes about two to three weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Grafting
Grafting involves combining a Crataegus ×brevipes Peck stem with another plant to produce a new plant with the desirable characteristics of both. Grafting is done during the dormant season. It involves taking a stem from a mature Crataegus ×brevipes Peck plant and grafting it onto a rootstock of another closely related plant, such as Crataegus monogyna. The graft is then covered with grafting tape and allowed to heal. The healed graft is placed in soil and allowed to develop roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus ×brevipes Peck
Crataegus ×brevipes or the thicket hybrid hawthorn is a hybrid plant that is a cross between several species of hawthorn. This plant is generally healthy and disease-resistant but may encounter a few pests and diseases. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that may affect Crataegus ×brevipes and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Cedar-Quince Rust - Cedar-Quince Rust is a severe fungal disease that can infect numerous species of hawthorn, including Crataegus ×brevipes. The primary symptoms include yellow spots on the upper leaves and orange spots on the undersides, which turn into the reddish-brown pustules. To control Cedar-Quince Rust, growers should remove all the nearby junipers, which serve as a host to the disease, and prune off the affected areas of the plant.
Fire Blight - Fire Blight is a bacterial disease that generally affects the developing fruits, leaves, and branches of Crataegus ×brevipes. The symptoms of Fire Blight include wilting, darkening, and blackening of the infected parts of the plant. To control Fire Blight, growers should prune off the diseased parts of the plant down to a few inches below the affected area and make sure to sterilize the tools after use.
Leaf Blight - Leaf Blight is a fungal disease that causes black spots to appear on the leaves of Crataegus ×brevipes. As the disease progresses, the leaves turn yellow and drop off prematurely. The best way to manage Leaf Blight is by applying a fungicide spray early in the season, especially if the spring is wet and humid.
Pests
Scale Insects - Scaled insects are tiny insects that attach themselves to the leaves, stems, and fruit of Crataegus ×brevipes. These pests cause yellowing and wilting of the plant and can ultimately lead to death if not addressed. The best way to manage Scaled Insects is to apply insecticidal soap or oils to the plants on a regular schedule.
Spider Mites - Spider Mites are tiny translucent pests that live on the undersides of the leaves of Crataegus ×brevipes. They puncture the cells of the leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth of the plant. To control spider mites, growers should store the plant in a humid environment, wash off the plant with a forceful stream of water, and apply an insecticidal soap once every seven days.
By following the above-mentioned tips and maintaining healthy growing conditions, growers can keep Crataegus ×brevipes healthy, disease-resistant, and pest-free.
