Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette: Origin and Common Names
Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette is a species of hawthorn plant that is native to the eastern United States. It is commonly referred to as the Virginia hawthorn or the Appalachian hawthorn.
General Appearance of Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette
The Virginia hawthorn is a small deciduous tree or shrub that typically grows to around 20 feet tall. It has a dense, rounded crown and a generally symmetrical shape. The leaves are oval-shaped, deeply lobed, and approximately 2 to 3 inches long. The tree produces small white flowers in the spring, and small red fruits in the fall that closely resemble cherries.
Uses of Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette
Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette has been used for various purposes throughout its history. Native Americans used the tree's bark, leaves, and berries to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and heart problems. Nowadays, it is primarily grown as an ornamental tree due to its attractive flowers and fruits and its ability to attract wildlife.
The Virginia hawthorn is also popular for its resistance to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for homeowners. It is commonly planted as a hedge or as a standalone tree in yards and gardens, and can tolerate a wide range of soil types and weather conditions.
Overall, Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette is a versatile and beautiful species of plant that has been valued for centuries for its medicinal properties and aesthetic appeal.Light Requirements
Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. This plant species needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. In the absence of enough sunlight, the plant may experience stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The suitable temperature range for Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette is between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. This plant species can tolerate a minimum temperature of -10 degrees Celsius during winter dormancy. Extreme temperatures may affect the flowering and fruiting of this plant.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients, organic matter, and have good moisture retention. Sandy loams, clay loams, and loamy soils are suitable for this plant species. The use of fertilizers can be beneficial, especially during the initial stages of growth to promote healthy development.
Cultivation
Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette, commonly known as the Chinese hawthorn, grows well in well-draining soil and requires full sun exposure. It is advisable to plant the seedlings or the young plant during the fall or the early spring in an area where they will not be exposed to strong winds.
Watering needs
When freshly planted, ensure that the plant is watered regularly and deeply. Once the plant establishes after the first growing season, it will require less attention and may only need weekly watering. However, during hot summer months, it may necessitate more frequent watering to survive.
Fertilization
Chinese hawthorns do not have an extensive root system. It is good to fertilize once in early spring and once in mid-summer with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Excessive fertilization may damage the tree and increase susceptibility to disease and pests.
Pruning
Pruning should be limited to the removal of dead, damaged, or diseased branches. If more drastic pruning is necessary, it should be done during the winter when the plant is dormant. Minor pruning – removing only the tips of the branches – can be done in early spring.
Propagation of Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette
Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette, commonly known as the Chinese hawthorn, is a flowering shrub that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is native to China and is widely cultivated for its edible fruit. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette is through seed propagation. The seeds can be collected from ripe fruit and sown in the fall. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for one to two days to soften the hard coat and improve germination. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil and kept moist until germination. It takes about three to four weeks for the seeds to germinate. Seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location when they reach a height of about 10-15 cm.
Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is a common method for Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette. The cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Softwood cuttings about 10 cm long are best for this method, and the leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed to reduce water loss. The cuttings should be placed in well-drained soil, and the soil should be kept moist until roots have developed. It takes around six to eight weeks for the cuttings to root and can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method that can be used for Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette. It involves joining two plant parts together so that they grow as one plant. Grafting is done in early spring when the plant is still dormant. The scion (top part of the plant) should be about the thickness of a pencil with three to four buds. The rootstock should be about 1 cm in diameter. The two plants should fit together snugly, and a grafting tape should be used to wrap the graft union. The grafted plant should be kept in a humid and shaded area until they begin to grow.
Propagation of Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette is relatively easy and can be done through seed propagation, stem cuttings, or grafting. Choose the method that will give the best result with the available resources.
Disease Management
Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette is susceptible to various diseases including rust, fire blight, and leaf spot. Rust is a fungal disease that causes yellow or orange spots on the leaves. Fire blight is a bacterial disease that causes leaves and stems to wilt and turn black. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves.
The best way to manage these diseases is to ensure the plant is healthy. This includes providing adequate water and nutrients, as well as pruning off any diseased or infected parts of the plant. It is also important to spray the plant with fungicides or bactericides when necessary. This can help prevent the spread of disease and keep the plant healthy.
Pest Management
Common pests that can affect Crataegus caliciglabrata Schuette include aphids, scales, and spider mites. Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant and can cause distortion of the leaves. Scales are small insects that also suck the sap from the plant and can cause yellowing of the leaves. Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the undersides of the leaves and can cause tiny yellow or white spots on the leaves.
To manage these pests, it is important to monitor the plant frequently for signs of infestation. If an infestation is detected, it is important to act quickly to prevent the spread of the pest. This can include using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or other organic pesticides. It is also important to control ants, as they can protect aphids from natural predators. Additionally, pruning and removing any heavily infested parts of the plant can help prevent the spread of the pest to other parts of the plant.
