Overview of Crataegus caesariata Sarg.
Crataegus caesariata Sarg. is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is commonly known as Caesar's hawthorn, due to its discovery by botanist Charles Sprague Sargent on the property of the son of Julius Caesar Ibbetson in the Mexican State of Guerrero in the early 20th century.
Origin and Distribution
Crataegus caesariata Sarg. is native to Mexico and can be found in the states of Guerrero, Michoacán, and Oaxaca. It thrives in rocky and volcanic soils and is often found in open woods, slopes, and ridges.
General Appearance
The shrub or small tree typically grows up to 8 meters tall and has a rounded canopy. It has dark green leaves that are toothed and lobed, and it produces small white flowers in the spring that are followed by small red or orange fruit in the late summer and fall. The bark is a light gray color, and the branches are irregularly thorny.
Uses
The fruit of Crataegus caesariata Sarg. is edible, and it is used in Mexico to make jellies and pastes. The fruit is also used in traditional medicine to treat digestive problems, heart conditions, and high blood pressure. Additionally, the wood of the shrub is used to make tools and is valued for its hardness and durability.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus caesariata Sarg.
Crataegus caesariata Sarg. commonly known as Emperor's hawthorn is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America. Here are some of the growth conditions required by this plant for it to thrive:
Light requirements
The Emperor's hawthorn grows best in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. It requires a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight daily to perform at its best. In areas with hotter climates, some afternoon shade could be beneficial.
Temperature requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8. It can tolerate freezing temperatures and hot summers, making it adaptable to various regions. However, it does best in areas where winter temperatures don't get too extreme and summers are mild.
Soil requirements
The Emperor's hawthorn grows best in well-draining, loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If the soil is too compacted or heavy, the plant may struggle to establish its roots, which can lead to stunted growth.
Finally, it is imperative to ensure consistent moisture around the plant during the first few growing seasons. Once established, the Emperor's hawthorn can tolerate short periods of drought. However, its growth rate is faster when the plant receives adequate moisture from rain or irrigation.
Cultivation methods
Crataegus caesariata Sarg., commonly known as Caesar's hawthorn, is a deciduous plant that can grow up to 3-6 meters tall and wide. The plant is indigenous to China and grows well in temperate climates. For proper cultivation, the plant requires well-drained soils that are moderately fertile. It is advisable to plant the seedlings in the fall when the soil temperatures are cool to favor the root establishment of the plant.
It is also essential to select a planting site with full sun exposure for Crataegus caesariata Sarg. The plant can grow in partial shade, but it may not produce the desired flowers and fruit. The ideal soil pH level for the plant is between 6.0 and 7.5.
Watering needs
Crataegus caesariata Sarg. requires regular watering, especially during the first few months after planting. The plant's roots should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent the roots from rotting. Deep and infrequent watering is preferable to frequent but shallow watering, as it promotes deeper root growth.
During periods of drought, it is essential to water the plant to prevent wilting and subsequent loss of the plant. Proper mulching around the plant can reduce the moisture loss and maintain adequate soil moisture levels.
Fertilization
To enhance the growth and productivity of Crataegus caesariata Sarg., it is recommendable to apply a balanced and slow-release fertilizer during the spring and fall seasons. The fertilizer should contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with essential micronutrients. Avoid fertilizing the plant during winter or the active growing season as it can burn the roots or the plant leaves.
Organic fertilizer, like compost, can also be used to enrich the soil and enhance the soil's microbe content.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the desired form and shape of Crataegus caesariata Sarg. It is advisable to prune the plant during its active growing season in the spring or fall. Pruning the plant during winter may damage the plant buds or stems and delay the plant growth and development.
Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed as soon as they are noticed. The branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other should also be pruned to prevent damage and infections. Regular pruning can promote the formation of new shoots and rejuvenate the plant growth.
Propagation of Crataegus caesariata Sarg.
Crataegus caesariata Sarg., commonly known as Caesar's hawthorn, can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and grafting.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Crataegus caesariata Sarg. can be collected from mature fruits in the fall. The collected seeds should be cleaned and sown outdoors in the spring or fall. The seeds require a period of stratification, which involves exposing them to cold and moist conditions for a specific period to break their dormancy before sowing. The seeds can also be stratified artificially by placing them in a plastic bag with a moist medium and storing them in the refrigerator for a few months. After stratification, sow the seeds in a seedbed or pots filled with a well-drained soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the seedlings should emerge in 2-3 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to a permanent location after they have produced their second set of leaves.
Vegetative propagation
Crataegus caesariata Sarg. can be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings, root cuttings, and layering. Stem cuttings are usually taken in late summer or early fall from the current season's vegetative growth. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and should be taken from the semi-hardwood section of the stem. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-drained potting mix and place it in a warm, humid place. Keep the soil moist and roots should start to form in 2-4 weeks. The rooted cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or to a permanent location after the roots have established.
Root cuttings are taken in late fall or early spring from a mature plant. Dig up the plant and carefully remove some roots with a sharp knife. Cut the roots into 2-3 inch long sections and dip the cut ends in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings horizontally in a potting mix and keep the soil moist. The cuttings should sprout leaves in a few weeks and can be transplanted to a larger pot or permanent location when they have established roots.
Layering is a method of vegetative propagation where a stem of the plant is bent down and covered with soil. The stem will develop roots at the point of contact with the soil. After roots have developed, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a permanent location.
Grafting
Grafting is a propagation method used to combine the desirable qualities of two plants. Crataegus caesariata Sarg. can be grafted onto a rootstock of a related plant species. This method is usually done in late winter or early spring when the plants are dormant. The scion (a section of the desired plant) is cut from the parent plant and grafted onto the rootstock below the soil level. The grafted plant is then placed in a warm and humid location until the graft has taken and new growth has emerged.
Disease Management
Certain diseases can affect Crataegus caesariata Sarg., including fire blight, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust.
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that causes shoots and leaves to wilt and turn black. The infected parts of the plant must be pruned and removed to prevent the spread of the disease. The pruners must be sterilized with a mixture of water and bleach after each cut. Copper fungicides can also be used as a preventive measure.
Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. Infected parts should be pruned and removed, and a fungicide should be applied. Neem oil is a natural fungicide that can be used to control powdery mildew.
Cedar apple rust causes yellow spots on the leaves that may turn brown or black. Removing the infected parts of the plant and spraying with fungicide can help control the disease.
Pest Management
Several pests can harm Crataegus caesariata Sarg., such as aphids, mites, and tent caterpillars.
Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can be introduced to the plant as a biological control.
Mites cause a yellowing of the leaves and discoloration of the fruit. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or a dilute mixture of dish soap and water. Ladybugs and predatory mites are natural predators of mites and can help control their population.
Tent caterpillars spin silken tents in the crotches of branches and feed on the leaves. They can be removed by cutting out the tent and the caterpillars inside and destroyed. A natural pesticide, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, can be sprayed on the plant to control them.
