Overview
Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. chrysocarpa (Ashe) Dorn, commonly known as goldenfruit hawthorn, is a variety of the Columbia hawthorn species that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a deciduous tree or shrub that is native to western North America and can reach up to 20 feet in height. The plant's unique golden fruit, which is edible and has medicinal properties, is well-known to native people of the region. Goldenfruit hawthorn is a common plant in areas with temperate climates, particularly in moist forests and along streams and rivers. It is popularly grown as an ornamental plant due to the beauty of its flowers and fruit.
Appearance
The goldenfruit hawthorn tree or shrub can be identified by its dense, thorny branches, which can be green, brown, or gray in color, depending on the age of the plant. Its leaves are simple, lobed, and serrated with a shiny, dark green surface, while its flowers are white, showy, and appear in clusters in the spring. The tree's fruit is a round, pome-like structure that measures up to 1 cm in diameter and turns from green to yellow-gold when ripe. The fruit is edible, juicy, and has a sweet-tart flavor akin to apples.
Uses
The fruit of the goldenfruit hawthorn is traditionally used by Native American tribes as food and medicine. It is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and has been used to make tea, jellies, and syrups. The fruit is also known to have cardio-protective properties, making it effective in preventing and treating heart diseases. Apart from its medicinal properties, the goldenfruit hawthorn is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, thanks to its captivating flowers and golden fruit.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. chrysocarpa (Ashe) Dorn plant typically grows in full sun to partial shade conditions. The plant can tolerate some shade, but it prefers a well-lit location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
The Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. chrysocarpa (Ashe) Dorn plant usually grows well in temperate climates with cool summers and mild winters. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 5-7, and it can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F without damage. However, extreme heat can be stressful to the plant, and temperatures above 90°F can cause heat stress, leaf scorch, and wilting.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. chrysocarpa (Ashe) Dorn plant prefers well-draining soil that is high in organic matter. The plant can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. The plant is drought-tolerant, but it prefers medium-moist soils that are kept evenly moist during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods for Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. chrysocarpa (Ashe) Dorn
Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. chrysocarpa (Ashe) Dorn, commonly known as Chrysocarpa hawthorn, is a hardy shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The plant prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade, in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It is native to western North America, and it can tolerate drought and cold temperatures.
To propagate Chrysocarpa hawthorn, you can use seeds or hardwood cuttings in the late fall or early spring. The seeds need stratification for 60 to 90 days to break dormancy. Once germinated, the seedlings can be transplanted into their permanent location. The plant can also be grafted, but it requires a compatible rootstock.
Watering Needs for Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. chrysocarpa (Ashe) Dorn
Chrysocarpa hawthorn is drought-tolerant, once established, but it prefers a moderate amount of water during the growing season. Water the plant deeply, but infrequently, to encourage deep root growth and prevent waterlogging. Allow the soil to dry partially before the next watering. In hot and dry climates, the plant may require supplemental irrigation.
Fertilization of Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. chrysocarpa (Ashe) Dorn
Chrysocarpa hawthorn is a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require heavy fertilization. You can apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formulation, in early spring, just before new growth starts. Use a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer diluted at half strength. Avoid fertilizing the plant in the fall, as it may stimulate new growth that can be vulnerable to winter damage.
Pruning of Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. chrysocarpa (Ashe) Dorn
Chrysocarpa hawthorn doesn't require regular pruning, but you can shape and control its size by selectively cutting branches. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring, before the new growth appears. Remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches. You can also thin out overcrowded or crossing branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. Avoid pruning the plant heavily, as it may inhibit flowering and fruiting.
Propagation of Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. chrysocarpa (Ashe) Dorn
Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. chrysocarpa (Ashe) Dorn, also known as Columbia hawthorn, is a species of hawthorn native to western North America. It is commonly propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and layering.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Crataegus columbiana var. chrysocarpa. The seeds should be collected when fully ripe from healthy parent plants in the fall. After cleaning, the seeds should be stratified for 90-120 days in a moist chilled mixture of sand and peat moss. After stratification, the seeds can be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination occurs.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cutting propagation is another method for propagating Crataegus columbiana var. chrysocarpa. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and have at least two nodes. After removing the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, it should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and provide filtered light until roots develop.
Layering Propagation
Layering propagation is a method that involves encouraging roots to grow from a stem that is still attached to the parent plant. This propagation method can be done in the fall or early spring. Choose a stem that is flexible and can be bent to the ground without breaking. Create a wound at the point where the stem touches the ground and apply rooting hormone. Cover the wounded area with soil, leaving the new growth above the soil line. Keep the soil moist and wait for roots to develop before separating the new plant from the parent.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus Columbiana T.J. Howell var. Chrysocarpa (Ashe) Dorn
Crataegus Columbiana T.J. Howell var. Chrysocarpa (Ashe) Dorn is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rose family. This plant is often referred to as the Columbia Hawthorn and it is native to western North America. Like any other plant, the Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. chrysocarpa is susceptible to pests and diseases that can impact its growth and health. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect the Columbia Hawthorn and some ways to manage them.
Common diseases that affect Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. chrysocarpa
Cedar-Hawthorn Rust:
Cedar-hawthorn rust is a fungal disease commonly found on Crataegus species. It affects the leaves, flowers, and fruit of the Columbia Hawthorn. Infected leaves display yellow spots, followed by orange or red spots that appear on the undersides of leaves in spring. The fruit may also develop spots and turn brown. To manage this disease, you may choose to prune the infected parts of the plant and spray a fungicide.
Fungal Leaf Spots:
Fungal leaf spots cause small, circular brown or black spots on the leaves of the Columbia Hawthorn. The spots can spread and merge together, causing the leaves to look unsightly and eventually fall off. This disease tends to appear in wet and humid conditions. To manage this disease, you should rake and discard fallen leaves and avoid overhead watering. A fungicide can also be applied, but prevention is the best strategy.
Common pests that affect Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. chrysocarpa
Aphids:
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the leaves and tender shoots of the Columbia Hawthorn. These pests may cause curling and yellowing of the leaves and stem damage. To control these pests, you may choose to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale insects:
Scale insects are small, immobile insects that attach themselves to the bark and leaves of the Columbia Hawthorn. These pests feed on plant sap and can cause yellowing, stunted growth and dieback. To remove scale insects, you may use a soft brush to scrub the scales or use oil sprays to suffocate them.
Overall, proper care and maintenance of the plant can help prevent pest and disease infestations. This includes providing adequate sunlight and water and pruning the plant when necessary. When choosing a pesticide or fungicide to manage pests and diseases, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
