Origin:
Crataegus collina Chapman var. succincta (Sarg.) Palmer is a species of the Rosaceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found from New York to Georgia and Louisiana.
Common Names:
Crataegus collina Chapman var. succincta (Sarg.) Palmer is commonly known as the Appalachian hawthorn or the hill hawthorn.
Uses:
The fruits of this plant are edible and are used for making jellies and jams. Historically, it has also been used in traditional medicine for treating cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the hard wood of the plant is used for making tool handles, walking sticks and poles.
General Appearance:
The Appalachian hawthorn is a small tree or shrub that can reach a height of 20 feet. The leaves of this plant are glossy and dark green, with a serrated edge. During spring, the Appalachian hawthorn produces small and fragrant white flowers that are followed by red or orange fruits that ripen in late summer. These fruits are small and round, measuring about 0.5 inches in diameter.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus collina Chapman var. succincta (Sarg.) Palmer plant requires a sufficient amount of sunlight to grow properly. Full sunlight or partial shade is ideal for this plant species. When planted in shady areas, it tends to produce fewer flowers and fruits. For optimal growth and development, it is best to plant it in areas that receive full sunlight for at least six hours each day.
Temperature Requirements
The Crataegus collina Chapman var. succincta (Sarg.) Palmer plant is tolerant of both cold and heat conditions. It can grow well in temperatures ranging from -23°C to 40°C. However, the best growth occurs when the average temperature is around 25°C. It is crucial to ensure that the plant does not get exposed to too much frost or heat, as it may damage its leaves and flowers, thus affecting its overall growth.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus collina Chapman var. succincta (Sarg.) Palmer plant grows well in well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It thrives in soils that are rich in nutrients, especially organic matter. The plant species prefers moist to slightly dry soil, but it is crucial to avoid flooding the roots. Soil amendments can be added to increase soil fertility, and mulching is also beneficial in retaining soil moisture and suppressing weeds.
Cultivation Methods for Crataegus Collina Chapman var. Succincta (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus collina Chapman var. succincta (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as the hill hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. It can be cultivated in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9 and requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can grow up to 6 feet in height and spread up to 10 feet in width. As a shrub, it can be used as a hedging plant or as a specimen plant in a garden.
Watering Needs for Crataegus Collina Chapman var. Succincta (Sarg.) Palmer
The hill hawthorn requires moderate watering during the growing season. The soil must be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Watering should be reduced in the fall, and the plant should be allowed to enter a dormant state during the winter. Overwatering or underwatering can lead to stress and damage to the plant.
Fertilization for Crataegus Collina Chapman var. Succincta (Sarg.) Palmer
The hill hawthorn can benefit from annual fertilization in the spring with a balanced fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 blend. Fertilizers should be applied to the soil around the base of the plant, not on the foliage. Overfertilization can lead to excessive growth, weaker branches, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Pruning Techniques for Crataegus Collina Chapman var. Succincta (Sarg.) Palmer
The hill hawthorn requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be carried out in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed, and any crossing or rubbing branches should be pruned to prevent damage. The plant can also be thinned to allow for better air circulation and light penetration. However, excessive pruning can lead to reduced flowering and fruiting, so it should be done with care.
Propagation of Crataegus collina Chapman var. succincta (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus collina Chapman var. succincta (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as the mountain hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to the eastern United States. This plant grows in full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types. It is an attractive ornamental plant that produces showy white flowers in the spring and bright red fruit in the fall.
Propagation by Seed
The easiest way to propagate Crataegus collina Chapman var. succincta (Sarg.) Palmer is through seed propagation. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruit in the fall, cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place over the winter. In the spring, the seeds can be sown in pots or directly in the ground. To help break seed dormancy, it is recommended to stratify the seeds for several weeks in the refrigerator or outdoors. Germination may take several months to a year.
Propagation by Cuttings
Crataegus collina Chapman var. succincta (Sarg.) Palmer can also be propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings taken in the early summer or late fall, respectively. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and treated with a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a semi-shaded area. Roots should develop within a few months.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating Crataegus collina Chapman var. succincta (Sarg.) Palmer. It is recommended to graft the plant onto the rootstock of a related Crataegus species, as some of the root systems can be quite vigorous. Grafting should take place in the spring or late summer, using scions from healthy, disease-free plants. Careful attention should be paid to the graft union, as the bark of the two plants must match precisely for the graft to be successful.
Disease Management
Crataegus collina var. succincta is involved in a wide range of diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant include fire blight, leaf spot, powdery mildew, rust, and oak root rot. To control these diseases, it is necessary to understand what causes them and how they manifest.
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that affects the plant's leaves, flowers, and twigs. The affected parts turn black and die, giving the plant a burnt appearance. The disease progresses very quickly, and infected plants may die within weeks. To prevent the spread of fire blight, infected parts should be removed and destroyed immediately. All pruning tools should be disinfected before using them on another part of the plant. Copper-based fungicides can help control the disease.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant, causing a white powdery substance to appear on the surface. The disease does not kill the plant, but it weakens it and makes it more susceptible to other diseases. Powdery mildew can be controlled by pruning to increase air circulation around the plant, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides such as sulfur or neem oil.
Oak root rot is caused by a soil-borne fungus that attacks the roots of the plant. The disease reduces the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients, causing it to wilt and eventually die. To control oak root rot, avoid planting in infected soil, improve soil drainage, and apply fungicides containing phosphorous acid.
Pest Management
Crataegus collina var. succincta is also vulnerable to various pests, including aphids, spider mites, caterpillars, and scale insects. Pests can damage the plant by feeding on its leaves and twigs, sucking its sap, and transmitting diseases. To manage pests effectively, it is essential to identify the type of pest and determine the appropriate control method.
Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to yellow and curl. They also produce a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts ants and causes sooty mold. Aphids can be controlled by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the underside of the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. They are difficult to see with the naked eye but can be identified by the fine webbing they produce. Spider mites can be controlled by increasing humidity around the plant, washing the leaves with a spray of water, or applying miticides.
Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies that feed on the plant's leaves, causing them to develop holes and skeletonizing. They can be controlled by removing them by hand or applying Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide.
Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the plant's leaves and stems and suck its sap. They produce a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts ants and causes sooty mold. Scale insects can be controlled by pruning infected parts of the plant and applying horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
