Background
Crataegus calpodendron (Ehrh.) Medik. var. gigantea Kruschke, commonly known as giant hawthorn or large-fruited hawthorn, is a native shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The plant is endemic to central and eastern North America and is often found in wet areas such as swamps and floodplains.
Description
Giant hawthorn is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall and 15 centimeters in diameter. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown, while the twigs are reddish-brown in color. The leaves are alternate, simple, and have a serrated edge. The flowers of the plant are white, highly fragrant, and bloom in late spring to early summer. The fruit of the plant is a large, red, and fleshy pome that can grow up to 25mm in diameter.
Uses
The fruit of giant hawthorn is edible and has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The fruit can be used to make jams, jellies, and wine. The plant also has significant value in traditional medicine, where it is used to treat a range of ailments from heart diseases to gastrointestinal disorders. The bark and leaves of the plant contain bioactive compounds like flavonoids and triterpenoids, which are believed to be responsible for its medicinal properties.
Appearance
The giant hawthorn is distinctive for its large, red, and fleshy fruit, which can be up to 25mm in diameter. The plant is also characterized by its serrated leaves and highly fragrant white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown, while the twigs are reddish-brown in color. Overall, the giant hawthorn is an attractive shrub or small tree that can add beauty to wet landscapes such as swamps and floodplains.
Light Requirements
Crataegus calpodendron (Ehrh.) Medik. var. gigantea Kruschke typically grows best in full sunlight. It can also tolerate partial shade but may not flower as much under these conditions.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a range of temperatures but grows best in temperate climates. It can withstand temperatures as low as -10 Celsius and as hot as 30 Celsius. However, extreme temperature fluctuations may cause stress and affect growth.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus calpodendron (Ehrh.) Medik. var. gigantea Kruschke requires well-draining soil. It prefers loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant can tolerate sandy or clay soils but may not grow as well in these conditions. It is also important for the soil to have adequate organic matter and nutrients to promote healthy growth.
Cultivation
Crataegus calpodendron (Ehrh.) Medik. var. gigantea Kruschke requires well-drained soil and full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. This plant is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is recommended to plant this species in the spring or fall when the soil is workable.
Watering Needs
It is important to keep the soil moist but not saturated when watering Crataegus calpodendron (Ehrh.) Medik. var. gigantea Kruschke. This species requires moderate watering, and overwatering can lead to root rot. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and development, it is recommended to fertilize Crataegus calpodendron (Ehrh.) Medik. var. gigantea Kruschke in the spring and fall. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, can be used. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the desired shape and size of the Crataegus calpodendron (Ehrh.) Medik. var. gigantea Kruschke plant. Generally, pruning is done in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed at this time. It is also recommended to thin out the center of the plant to improve air circulation and promote healthy growth.
Propagation of Crataegus calpodendron var. gigantea Kruschke
There are various methods one can use to propagate Crataegus calpodendron var. gigantea Kruschke, and they include:
Seed Propagation
This propagation method is quite simple and involves planting the seeds of the plant into a pot or container filled with a suitable planting medium. The planting medium should be moist and kept at a temperature of around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds will typically sprout within 2 to 4 weeks of planting, depending on the quality of the seeds and the environmental conditions. Seed propagation can be done in the fall or spring, but spring is usually the preferred season.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings are another common propagation method for Crataegus calpodendron var. gigantea Kruschke. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer. Select healthy and mature stem tips that are near the top of the plant and cut them at an angle with a sharp knife. Remove the lower leaves and dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone powder. After this, plant the cutting in a pot or container filled with a suitable planting medium and keep the medium moist but not overwatered. After two to three months, roots will develop, and the cutting can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method suitable for Crataegus calpodendron var. gigantea Kruschke. Start by removing a ring of bark from a mature stem below a node or bud, then wrap some moist sphagnum moss on the exposed area and cover it with plastic wrap or foil. Keep the moss moist and check for root development after 2 to 3 months, and once the roots are visible, cut the stem below the layer, remove the plastic or foil and plant the new plant in a suitable pot or container.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting can also be used to propagate Crataegus calpodendron var. gigantea Kruschke. First, select a healthy and mature stem of the plant to be used as the rootstock and cut off the top. Then, select a scion from a healthy and mature plant to be used as the graft, and make a diagonal cut on its bottom. The two cuts should be joined together, and the join should be wrapped with grafting tape or wax to hold it in place. Keep the graft moist and in a warm and sheltered location until the graft unions, then transplant to a permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus calpodendron (Ehrh.) Medik. var. gigantea Kruschke
Crataegus calpodendron (Ehrh.) Medik. var. gigantea Kruschke, commonly known as Giant hawthorn, is a species of hawthorn tree that is native to North America. When left unmanaged, this tree can become susceptible to various diseases and pests. Hence, it is important to maintain a proactive plant care plan to prevent and manage any issues that may arise.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect the Giant hawthorn is fire blight, which is a bacterial disease that attacks the twigs, fruits, and leaves of the tree. The infected parts often turn black or brown, and the leaves may also have a burnt appearance. To prevent the spread of fire blight, it is important to prune out the infected branches and avoid watering the tree late in the day when the moisture does not evaporate quickly enough.
Cedar-apple rust is also a common disease that affects the Giant hawthorn, especially when it is grown in close proximity to junipers or apple trees. The disease causes yellow spots on the leaves of the tree, and sometimes these spots may develop into ring-like structures with reddish-brown color. To manage cedar-apple rust, it is important to avoid planting Giant hawthorn near infected plants, remove any infected leaves from the tree, and keep the tree well-watered during dry spells to help prevent stress.
Common Pests
Giant hawthorn tree can also be attacked by various pests such as aphids, spider mites, and leaf miners. Aphids are small insects that suck the sap out of the leaves and twigs, causing the leaves to yellow and curl. Spider mites cause tiny webs on the leaves of the tree, and the leaves may appear speckled or discolored. Leaf miners, on the other hand, cause discolored or blotchy appearance on the leaves of the tree. To manage these pests, it is important to keep the tree well-watered and fertilized, prune out any infected branches, and apply insecticidal soap or oil to control the pests.
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy and vigorous Giant hawthorn tree is the best way to prevent and manage diseases and pests. Regular pruning, watering, and fertilizing should be part of a proactive plant care plan. Additionally, monitoring the tree for any signs of diseases and pests and taking prompt action can help prevent further damage.
