Origin
Crataegus collina Chapman var. secta (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly referred to as the hill hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub that is native to southeastern United States, particularly in the states of Georgia and Alabama.
Common Names
Aside from hill hawthorn, this plant is also known by other common names such as narrow-leaved hawthorn and chapman's hawthorn.
Uses
Crataegus collina Chapman var. secta (Sarg.) Palmer is primarily used as an ornamental plant for landscaping and gardening purposes. Its white, fragrant flowers, which bloom in late spring to early summer, are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Additionally, its edible red berries can be used to make jams and jellies.
General Appearance
The hill hawthorn grows up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, with a spreading and rounded form. Its leaves are narrow, sharply toothed, and glossy green, while its bark is gray and smooth with prominent thorns. Its flowers are white and showy, while its fruits are small, round, and bright red with a slightly tart flavor.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus collina Chapman var. secta (Sarg.) Palmer thrives under full sun. The plant requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day. The adequate light enables the plant to photosynthesize effectively, which supports its growth process.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a temperate to a slightly cool environment, which ranges from 10°C to 25°C. Extreme temperatures can hinder the plant development process. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the Crataegus collina Chapman var. secta (Sarg.) Palmer in a region that maintains consistent temperature levels.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires a well-drained soil rich in nutrients. The Crataegus collina Chapman var. secta (Sarg.) Palmer also thrives in loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. The plant roots system requires air circulation, and water-logged soil hinders nutrient absorption. Therefore, it is recommended to incorporate compost or organic matter during planting to favor the plant's uptake of nutrients.
Cultivation of Crataegus collina Chapman var. secta (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus collina Chapman var. secta (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as the cockspur hawthorn, is a small tree or shrub that is native to the Southeastern United States. It is commonly cultivated for its attractive white flowers, red fruit, and thorny branches.
In cultivation, this plant prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, from acidic to alkaline.
When planting, it is best to provide the plant with a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Cockspur hawthorn is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers a climate that is mild to warm.
Watering Needs of Crataegus collina Chapman var. secta (Sarg.) Palmer
When it comes to watering this plant, it is important to provide it with consistent moisture. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. During hot and dry periods, the plant may require more frequent watering.
It is important to avoid overwatering this plant, as it can lead to root rot. On the other hand, allowing the soil to dry out too much can lead to stress and poor growth.
Fertilization of Crataegus collina Chapman var. secta (Sarg.) Palmer
Applying a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth and flowering. It is important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, as over-fertilization can lead to salt buildup in the soil.
If the plant is located in an area with poor soil quality, adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure can help improve the soil and provide necessary nutrients.
Pruning of Crataegus collina Chapman var. secta (Sarg.) Palmer
Pruning this plant should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The plant can tolerate heavy pruning and can be shaped into a hedge or small tree.
When pruning, it is important to remove any damaged or diseased branches as well as any crossing or rubbing branches. This will help promote healthy growth and improve the plant's overall appearance.
Propagation of Crataegus collina Chapman var. secta (Sarg.) Palmer
Propagation of Crataegus collina Chapman var. secta (Sarg.) Palmer can be accomplished through several methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds from the plant can be collected from matured fruits and sown immediately, or they can be stored under moist conditions for up to six months before sowing in the spring. They should be sown in a seed bed, and after germination, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings are taken from semi-hardwood or hardwood of the current year's growth during the dormant season. They are then rooted either in a greenhouse or outdoors in a protected environment. Cuttings have a higher success rate if treated with rooting hormones and kept in a humid environment.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a method of combining the desired scion with a hardy rootstock to improve its survival rate. The rootstock can provide the necessary disease resistance or environmental tolerance while the scion can provide the desired characteristics such as fruit quality or size. Grafting is typically performed during the dormant season.
Disease Management
Crataegus collina Chapman var. secta (Sarg.) Palmer may be vulnerable to a variety of diseases that can cause significant damage. The most common diseases that affect this plant are Apple scab, Fire blight, and Powdery mildew.
One effective strategy to prevent diseases is to plant resistant cultivars. Another approach is to maintain proper plant spacing that allows for adequate light and air circulation. Proper irrigation and fertilization practices help to promote healthy growth, which can improve the plant's ability to resist diseases.
Fungicides can be used to control some of the diseases that affect Crataegus collina Chapman var. secta (Sarg.) Palmer. When using fungicides, be sure to follow the instructions on the product label carefully. Also, it is recommended to apply fungicides early in the growing season when the first symptoms appear and to repeat the application at a specified interval.
Pest Management
Crataegus collina Chapman var. secta (Sarg.) Palmer is typically not severely affected by pests. However, there are a few pests that can cause damage to the plant, such as aphids and tent caterpillars.
To manage pests, insecticides can be used. However, it is important to select the right product depending on the type of pest and its life cycle stage. Natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can also help to control pest populations. In addition, removing infested plant parts and maintaining proper plant hygiene can also aid in pest management.
Regular monitoring of the plant for pest activity is crucial to identifying and managing pest problems early on. By implementing a few pest management strategies reasonably, we can keep Crataegus collina Chapman var. secta (Sarg.) Palmer healthy and robust.
