Introduction:
Crataegus coccinea L. p.p., commonly known as Scarlet Hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree or shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This plant has a wide distribution throughout North America and is known for its brilliant red fruit that adorns the branches in the fall.
Origin:
Scarlet Hawthorn is native to North America, where it is widespread and commonly found in many states in the eastern and central United States. The plant grows primarily in open woods, thickets, and along roadsides and stream banks.
Common Names:
Besides Scarlet Hawthorn, Crataegus coccinea L. p.p. goes by other common names, including Red Hawthorn, River Hawthorn, and White Thorn, depending on the region.
Uses:
Crataegus coccinea L. p.p. has various medicinal properties, including the ability to lower blood pressure, improve digestion, and reduce anxiety. Native Americans used the plant to treat various ailments, including respiratory infections, diarrhea, and skin problems. For thousands of years, people have used Hawthorn berries to treat heart disease, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure.
Aside from its medicinal uses, Scarlet Hawthorn is also an attractive ornamental plant that is commonly used in landscaping. The beautiful flowers in spring, colorful foliage in fall, and bright red fruit makes Crataegus coccinea L. p.p. a popular addition to gardens, parks, and urban landscapes.
Appearance:
Scarlet Hawthorn typically grows as a small tree or shrub that can reach up to 8 -10 m in height. The tree has a rounded or pyramidal shape, and the bark is dark gray to brown, with some ridges and fissures. The leaves of the plant are obovate or oval, with a serrated margin and a glossy green surface. In the spring, Scarlet Hawthorn produces a profusion of white or pink flowers that are very fragrant. The fruit of the plant is a bright red pome, with a diameter of 8-10 mm, that matures in the fall and persists throughout the winter.
Overall, Crataegus coccinea L. p.p. is a beautiful and versatile plant with many uses and benefits. Its hardiness, colorful flowers, and attractive foliage have earned it a reputation as an excellent choice for urban landscapes and gardens.
Light Requirements
Crataegus coccinea L. p.p. requires full sun to partial shade to grow properly. It thrives in open environments with direct sunlight for a portion of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species prefers a temperate climate. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Extreme heat and cold conditions can negatively impact growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus coccinea L. p.p. grows well in moist, well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.2. The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter to support proper growth. This plant tolerates a wide range of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils.
Cultivation Methods for Crataegus coccinea L. p.p.
Crataegus coccinea L. p.p., also known as the Scarlet Hawthorn, can be grown successfully in a wide range of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soil. This plant thrives in the full sun to partial shade and requires adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. When planting the Scarlet Hawthorn, it is advisable to dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and add organic matter to the planting hole. This helps to improve soil fertility and promotes healthy plant growth.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is essential for the Scarlet Hawthorn, especially during the growing season. The plant requires deep watering at least once a week, especially during dry spells, to promote healthy growth and development. However, excessive watering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot and other fungal infections.
Fertilization
Crataegus coccinea L. p.p. benefits from regular feeding during the growing season. The plant thrives on a balanced fertilizer with equal N, P, and K nutrient composition. Application of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure is an excellent way to supplement soil fertility. Fertilizers and organic matter are applied in early spring or late winter before the growing season begins and can be administered again in mid-summer to support continued plant growth.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the health of the Scarlet Hawthorn and should be carried out in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins. The objective of pruning is to remove weak or crossing branches and promote healthy growth. Matured Crataegus coccinea L. p.p. plants can be pruned into a tree or shrub form, depending on your preference. However, pruning should be done sparingly, and care should be taken not to over-prune as it can inhibit flowering and fruiting.
Propagation of Crataegus coccinea L. p.p.
Crataegus coccinea L. p.p., commonly known as the Scarlet Haw, can be propagated through various methods. Propagation is the process of producing new plants by natural or artificial means. In the case of Scarlet Haw, the following propagation methods are available:
Seed Propagation
Scarlet Haw can be easily propagated from seeds. The best time to collect the seeds is in the fall when the berries turn red. Once the berries are ripe, they should be collected, mashed, and separated from the pulp. The seeds can then be sown immediately or stored in a cool and dry place until the next spring.
The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. They should be sown in well-draining soil and covered lightly with soil. Water the seeds regularly, but be careful not to overwater them. The seeds will germinate within 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted to a larger container when they are 2-3 inches tall.
Cuttings Propagation
Scarlet Haw can also be propagated through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the summer when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy stem, about 6 inches long, and cut it just below a leaf node. Remove all the leaves except for the top two or three.
Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and insert it into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Water the cutting and cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Keep the pot in a warm and well-lit area, but not in direct sunlight. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted to a larger container when it is 6-8 inches tall.
Dormant Hardwood Cuttings Propagation
Scarlet Haw can also be propagated through dormant hardwood cuttings in the winter. Select a healthy stem, about 12 inches long, and remove all the leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and insert it into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix.
Water the cutting and cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Keep the pot in a cool and dark place until the spring when the plant will start to grow again. The cutting should root and grow into a new plant during the next growing season.
In conclusion, Scarlet Haw can be propagated through seed propagation, cuttings propagation, and dormant hardwood cuttings propagation. With proper care and attention, these propagation methods can help you produce new and healthy plants.
Disease Management
Some of the common diseases that affect Crataegus coccinea L. p.p. include leaf spot, fire blight, powdery mildew, and cedar-quince rust. Leaf spot is caused by a fungus and can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant debris, providing good air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering. Fire blight is caused by bacteria and can be managed by pruning and removing infected branches, avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization, and removing infected plant debris. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can be managed by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Cedar-quince rust is a fungal disease that can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant debris and using resistant varieties.
Pest Management
Some of the common pests that affect Crataegus coccinea L. p.p. include aphids, scale insects, and leaf miners. Aphids can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water, introducing natural predators, or using insecticidal soap or oil. Scale insects can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant material, introducing natural predators, or using insecticidal soap or oil. Leaf miners are managed by removing infected leaves and introducing natural predators.
