Description of Crataegus cibaria Beadle
Crataegus cibaria Beadle, also known as the Big Thicket hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to the United States. It is found in the southeastern states of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
Common Names
The Big Thicket hawthorn has various common names such as the Big Thicket thorn, cockspur thorn, and paiyaya in the Caddo language of Native American tribes.
Appearance
The plant has a round to oval-shaped crown with a dense branching pattern. It can grow up to 15 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The leaves of the plant are glossy and green and resemble an oak leaf with lobes that are rounded or pointed. The flowers bloom in the spring and are white and fragrant, followed by small red berries that ripen in the fall. The fruit is edible and has a sweet flavor.
Uses
Crataegus cibaria Beadle has been used as a food and medicine source by Native American tribes. The fruit can be eaten raw or used to make jams and jellies. The plant has been historically used to treat diarrhea, indigestion, and heart problems. Recently, it has gained attention for its potential to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Today, it is mostly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping. Its dense foliage and bright red berries make it a popular choice for both home and commercial landscapes.
Light Requirements
Crataegus cibaria Beadle thrives in full sunlight to partial shade conditions. It can tolerate partial shade, but it performs best when it receives full sunlight. The plant needs a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow well and bear fruits.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers moderate temperatures ranging from 50 to 80°F. It can withstand cold winters with temperatures as low as -40°F. However, extreme heat can make the plant suffer heat stress and drought, which can affect fruit production and quality.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus cibaria Beadle grows well in well-drained, loamy, and slightly acidic soils. The plant prefers soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The ideal soil should have good water retention and aeration properties and should not be waterlogged. The plant can also tolerate drought conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus cibaria Beadle, commonly known as the river hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree or shrub that is native to North America. This plant can be grown in a variety of soil types and is tolerant of both wet and dry conditions. It is recommended to plant the river hawthorn in a location with full sun or partial shade. The plant can be propagated by seed or by layering.
Watering Needs
Crataegus cibaria Beadle prefers to grow in moist, well-drained soil, and it needs to be watered regularly. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. When the soil feels dry to the touch, it is time to water the plant.
Fertilization
The river hawthorn does not require regular fertilization. However, if the plant seems to be struggling, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring. It is important to read the instructions on the fertilizer product and to follow them carefully to avoid damaging the plant.
Pruning
Pruning of the river hawthorn should be done in early spring before new growth begins. This plant responds well to pruning and can handle hard pruning if needed. Dead or diseased wood should be removed, and any crossing branches should be pruned to prevent rubbing and damage to the bark. It is also recommended to remove some of the older wood to encourage new growth.
Propagation Methods for Crataegus cibaria Beadle
Crataegus cibaria Beadle, commonly known as the Canadian hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It produces small clusters of white flowers that bloom in the spring and bright red fruits that ripen in the fall. The plant is often used in the landscape for hedges or as a specimen plant. Here are the most common propagation methods for Crataegus cibaria:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Crataegus cibaria. The seeds are collected from the ripe fruits in the fall and then sown in a seed tray or small pots. The ideal time to plant the seeds is in the fall or early winter. The seeds require a period of cold stratification, with temperatures ranging from 33°F to 41°F, to break their dormancy. Therefore, the seeds must be stored in the refrigerator for six to eight weeks before planting them. Once planted, the seeds require constant moist soil and a temperature between 68°F and 77°F to germinate. It can take up to a year for the seedlings to grow big enough to transplant into their permanent location.
Cuttings Propagation
Crataegus cibaria can also be propagated from stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the late spring or early summer, when new growth is soft and pliable. The cuttings should be about 6 to 8 inches long and have several nodes from which leaves emerge. After cutting, the leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, leaving only two or three leaves on the upper half. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone, and then stuck in a well-drained soil mix. Cover the cuttings with plastic to retain moisture and keep them in a warm, bright location. The cuttings should form roots in four to six weeks, and can be transplanted into their permanent location the following spring.
Suckers Propagation
Crataegus cibaria can also propagate through suckers produced by the mother plant. Suckers are shoots that emerge from the base of the plant or its roots. Suckers should be carefully detached from the mother plant, preferably in the spring or early fall, and then planted immediately in a well-draining soil mix. The suckers should be planted at the same depth as they were growing on the mother plant. It will take a few years for the suckers to develop into a mature plant.
Propagation of Crataegus cibaria is relatively easy using these methods. Each method has its benefits, and one might be more suitable for your situation than the others. If you follow these guidelines, you can easily grow this plant in your garden or landscape.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus cibaria Beadle
Crataegus cibaria Beadle, commonly known as the Washington hawthorn tree, is a small, ornamental tree native to the eastern United States. Like any plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its health and overall appearance. It is important to be aware of common issues and have a plan in place to manage them.
Common Diseases
Cedar-Hawthorn Rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and fruit of the tree. It is identified by yellow spots on the leaves that turn red in the autumn, with fruit that develops small, orange-yellow spots, eventually becoming covered with orange spores. It can be managed by removing the infected leaves, and treating the tree with a fungicide.
Fungus Leaf Blight can affect the tree at any time of the year but is most commonly found in late summer and autumn. It is identified by the presence of small, dark spots on the leaves that eventually turn brown and cause large sections of the leaf to die. It can be controlled by pruning affected branches and treating the tree with a fungicide spray.
Common Pests
Japanese beetles are a common pest that feed on the leaves and flowers of the tree. They can cause significant damage, resulting in foliage that is stripped of its leaves, reducing a tree's ability to produce the energy it needs for growth. They can be managed by physically removing them t from the tree by hand or by treating the tree with pesticides.
Spider mites are another common pest that affects Crataegus cibaria. They feed on the leaves, causing them to turn gray and look dusty. They reproduce quickly, and a severe infestation can cause plant death. Treatment can include rigorous watering and the use of insecticidal soaps and oils.
Conclusion
To keep Crataegus cibaria healthy, it is essential to have an ongoing management plan, including a regular inspection of the tree for any potential signs of disease or pests. Early detection and management will improve a tree's health, help it recover from disease, and minimize the risk of spreading it to other plants.
