Overview
Crataegus chrysocarpa Ashe var. rotundifolia (Moench) Sarg. is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is a native plant to North America, where it grows in various regions such as the Pacific Northwest, California, and Alaska. The plant is also called round-leaved hawthorn and goldenberry hawthorn.
Appearance
The round-leaved hawthorn plant grows up to 5 meters tall and has a round-shaped crown. The shrub has thorns on its branches that function to protect itself from herbivores. The leaves are round, about 2.5 to 5 centimeters long with serrated edges. The flowers are about 1.2 centimeters wide and have a white to pale pink color with five petals. The fruit is a yellow or orange berry that is about 1 centimeter wide.
Uses
The fruit of Crataegus chrysocarpa Ashe var. rotundifolia has been used by Native Americans for various purposes. The plant's fruit is edible, and it has a sweet taste when ripe, making it ideal for making jams and jellies. The fruit is also used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and rheumatism. In addition, the plant extract has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The round-leaved hawthorn is also used in landscaping due to its attractive flowers and fruit.
Light Requirements
Crataegus chrysocarpa Ashe var. rotundifolia (Moench) Sarg. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but the fruit production may be reduced.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth and development of Crataegus chrysocarpa Ashe var. rotundifolia (Moench) Sarg. is between 15°C to 25°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures lower than this range, but growth may be slowed down. The plant is also able to tolerate higher temperatures, but extended periods of intense heat can reduce fruit and foliage production.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus chrysocarpa Ashe var. rotundifolia (Moench) Sarg. prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. The plant can tolerate various soil types, including loam, sandy loam, and clay loam. However, the plant cannot tolerate poorly drained soils, as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
The plant can benefit from the addition of organic matter to the soil, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This can help improve soil structure and fertility, which can promote better growth and fruit production.
Cultivation Methods
The Crataegus chrysocarpa Ashe var. rotundifolia (Moench) Sarg., commonly known as Roundleaf hawthorn, is a shrub that is native to western North America. To cultivate this shrub, it is best to plant it during the late fall or early spring. The plant prefers full sun exposure but can also do well in partial shade. Although it can tolerate a range of soil types, it does best in well-draining, moist soils. When planting, ensure to maintain a distance of 3-4 feet between each plant to allow for adequate spacing.
Watering Needs
The Roundleaf hawthorn requires moderate watering. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Too much water can lead to root rot, and too little water can cause the plant to wither. During dry seasons, be sure to water the plant frequently.
Fertilization
To ensure optimal growth and development, it is recommended to fertilize the Roundleaf hawthorn plant annually. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring, just before new growth begins. Pierce the soil around the shrub with small holes and add the fertilizer. Ensure to follow the fertilizer's manufacturer instructions to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
The Roundleaf hawthorn usually grows as a multi-stemmed shrub with an irregular shape. Pruning not only helps the shrub take a more compact and uniform shape but also improves its overall health by removing dead and diseased branches. Prune the shrub during the dormant season, either in late winter or early spring. Cut out any crossed branches or stems that grow towards the center of the plant. Additionally, trim back any growth that extends beyond the desired size of the shrub. Do not over-prune the plant as it can affect its growth and flowering.
Propagation of Crataegus chrysocarpa Ashe var. rotundifolia (Moench) Sarg.
Crataegus chrysocarpa Ashe var. rotundifolia (Moench) Sarg., also known as roundleaf hawthorn, can be propagated through various methods, such as seed propagation, cutting propagation, and layering propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Crataegus chrysocarpa can be collected from ripe fruits and sown in early spring. The seeds should be stratified by keeping them in moist sand or peat moss at a temperature of 40°F to 50°F for around 90 to 120 days. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in well-drained soil and covered lightly with soil. They should be kept well-watered and protected from direct sunlight until germination occurs.
Cutting Propagation
Crataegus chrysocarpa can be propagated through stem cuttings, which are taken in late spring or early summer. The stem cuttings should be around 4 to 6 inches long and have at least two nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-drained soil. They should be kept moist and placed under shade until they develop roots.
Layering Propagation
Layering is another method of propagating Crataegus chrysocarpa. In this method, a low-lying branch is bent downwards and partially buried in soil, leaving the tip of the branch exposed. The branch should be kept moist and the soil should be kept well-watered until roots develop. Once the new plant has established roots, it can be cut away from the parent plant and transplanted into a new location.
Disease Management
One of the most common diseases that affect Crataegus chrysocarpa Ashe var. rotundifolia (Moench) Sarg. is fire blight. This disease is caused by a bacterial pathogen and is characterized by wilting, blackening, and shriveling of the blossoms, twigs, and branches. To manage this disease, pruning must be done regularly to remove infected parts. It is also important to avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization as it can increase the susceptibility of the plant to the disease. Applying copper-based fungicides can also help prevent the spread of fire blight.
Another disease that affects this plant is apple scab, which is caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis. Symptoms of the disease include brown spots on leaves and fruit, defoliation, and stunted growth. Regular pruning and removing infected leaves can help manage the disease. Fungicide applications during the early stages of infection can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
One of the most common pests that affect Crataegus chrysocarpa Ashe var. rotundifolia (Moench) Sarg. is the pear psylla. This pest feeds on the foliage and shoots of the plant and can cause defoliation and stunted growth. To manage this pest, it is essential to remove debris and weeds around the plant as it can serve as a breeding ground for the pest. Pruning and removal of infected branches can also help reduce the population of the pest. Applying insecticidal soaps during the early stages of infestation can also help control the spread of the pest.
Mites, such as spider mites, can also affect this plant. Symptoms of infestation include webbing and yellowing of leaves. Regularly washing the plant with water can help dislodge the mites. Applying horticultural oil during early infestation can help prevent the spread of the pest.
