Overview of Crataegus calpodendron var. microcarpa
Crataegus calpodendron var. microcarpa (Chapman) Palmer is a deciduous thorny shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family and the Crataegus genus. This shrub is also commonly known as the little fruit hawthorn, due to the small size of its fruit. It is native to the southeastern United States, including parts of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. The plant is found growing in wooded areas, on the edges of swamps, and along stream banks.
Appearance of Crataegus calpodendron var. microcarpa
This shrub typically grows to a height of 10-15 feet and has a spread of about 8-12 feet. It has a dense, rounded crown with a rough, scaly bark that is brownish-gray in color. The leaves are dark green, oval-shaped with toothed margins, and around 2-3 inches in length. They turn yellow-orange in the fall, creating a stunning display of color. The flowers, which bloom from April to May, are white and small, measuring around 1 inch in diameter. The plant's fruit is red, small, and round, measuring about ¼ inch in diameter. The fruit is edible but has a sour taste.
Uses of Crataegus calpodendron var. microcarpa
Crataegus calpodendron var. microcarpa has both ornamental and medicinal uses. As an ornamental plant, it is commonly used in landscaping for its attractive foliage and showy clusters of white flowers. The plant is also used as a natural barrier due to its thorny branches. In terms of medicinal uses, the plant's leaves, flowers, and fruits contain antioxidants and flavonoids that can aid in heart health. The plant is also known to provide relief for digestive issues, skin ailments, and respiratory problems.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus calpodendron var. microcarpa plant requires full sun exposure to maximize its growth potential. It thrives in bright conditions that receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily. Lack of sunlight can lead to poor growth and weak stems in the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adaptable to a wide range of temperature conditions. However, it prefers a moderate climate, neither too hot nor too chilly. The optimal temperature range for the plant's growth is between 60-80°F. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F but not for extended periods, and it can't handle temperatures exceeding 95°F for long.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus calpodendron var. microcarpa plant prefers well-drained soils with a slightly acidic pH range between 6.0-7.5. Sandy loam soils are the ideal substrates for planting, but it also tolerates clayey soils as long as there's adequate drainage. The plant is adaptable to different soils, but it performs best in fertile soils rich in organic matter.
Cultivation methods
Crataegus calpodendron (Ehrh.) Medik. var. microcarpa (Chapman) Palmer, commonly known as the littlehip hawthorn, is a deciduous tree that is native to the southeastern United States. This tree prefers to grow in areas with well-draining soils and full sunlight exposure. It can tolerate acidic to slightly alkaline soils.
The littlehip hawthorn can be propagated through winter hardwood cuttings, seed germination, or grafting. The best time to plant this tree is during the dormant season, which usually falls between late fall and early spring.
Watering needs
This tree has moderate to low water needs and can tolerate drought once it has been established. When planting, it is crucial to water the tree regularly until the roots establish, then reduce the amount of water given. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, so it is vital to ensure that the soil drains well.
Fertilization
Littlehip hawthorn trees do not require frequent fertilization, and it is advisable to carry out a soil test before applying any fertilizers. If the soil is nutrient-deficient, organic fertilizers such as compost, well-rotted manure, or fish emulsion can be applied during the growing season. It is best to avoid fertilizing during the dormant season because this can stimulate new growth, which can be susceptible to frost damage.
Pruning
The littlehip hawthorn has a naturally attractive shape and requires minimal pruning. Pruning can be done during the dormant season, and one should avoid pruning during the growing season because it can stimulate new growth. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed as soon as they are noticed. Additionally, any crossing branches, water sprouts, or suckers should be removed to maintain a healthy structure.
Propagation of Crataegus calpodendron var. microcarpa
Crataegus calpodendron var. microcarpa, commonly known as the littlehip hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a native plant to the southeastern United States and can grow up to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide. The plant has a high tolerance for drought and poor soil conditions and is often used as an ornamental plant in landscaping projects.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation of Crataegus calpodendron var. microcarpa can be achieved using several methods. The most common method is propagation through seeds. Seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and sown immediately in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be planted approximately 1/4 inch deep and kept moist but not waterlogged.
The seeds should be placed in a warm, sunny location and kept at a constant temperature of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds should germinate within 1-2 months. After germination, the seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots and grown in a protected location until they are large enough to be planted in their final location.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Crataegus calpodendron var. microcarpa can also be achieved by taking hardwood cuttings in late fall or early winter. Cuttings should be approximately 6-8 inches long and should include several nodes. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and placed in a location with bright, indirect light.
The cuttings should be kept moist but not waterlogged and should be misted frequently to prevent them from drying out. The cuttings should root within 3-4 months and can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground once they are well established.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation of Crataegus calpodendron var. microcarpa can also be achieved by layering. This method involves bending a low-growing branch to the ground and covering a section of the stem with soil. The stem should be held in place with a U-shaped wire or a small stake.
Once the stem has rooted (which can take up to a year), it can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into its final location. Layering can be done in the early spring or late fall.
Disease Management
Crataegus calpodendron var. microcarpa is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its overall health and growth. Therefore, some disease management practices can help minimize the damages and promote plant health.
One disease that can affect the plant is the Cedar-Quince rust, which primarily attacks the foliage, causing rusty brown spots. The best way to manage this disease is to prune infected foliage as soon as possible, apply fungicides as recommended by a local horticulturalist, and maintain proper sanitation practices.
Another common issue is Leaf spot diseases, which cause brownish-black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, the infected portions must be pruned, and fungicides can be applied as recommended by a local expert. Sanitation practices, such as removing infected leaves from the ground, also help to minimize the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Several pests can cause damages to C. calpodendron var. microcarpa, including insects and mites. Here are some common pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
The Two-lined Chestnut Borer is a beetle that attacks the trunk and branches of Crataegus species. The beetle bores into the tree's bark, creating an entrance for other disease-causing organisms. To manage this pest, trees must be kept healthy through proper irrigation, fertilization, and pruning of dead and diseased branches. Also, insecticides can be applied to protect the tree from an infestation.
The Red-humped Caterpillar is a common insect pest that feeds on the plant's leaves, leading to defoliation. To manage this pest, infected parts must be pruned, and insecticides can be applied as recommended by an expert.
Spider mites are also common pests that suck plant sap, causing leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Severe infestations can significantly affect plant growth. To manage spider mites, the plant must be sprayed with water regularly to wash off the pests, and insecticides can be applied as recommended by an expert.
