Overview
Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. piperi (Britt.) Egglest is a type of hawthorn plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found throughout the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Oregon and Washington. This plant has several common names, including Piper's hawthorn and Columbia hawthorn.
Description
Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. piperi (Britt.) Egglest has a woody stem and a height that can range from 3 to 8 meters. It has deciduous leaves that are simple and alternate. The leaves are serrated and have a glossy, dark green appearance on the upper surface. The underside of the leaves has a duller color. The flowers of this plant are white, have five petals, and are small in size. The fruit of the plant is a red or orange drupe that is edible. The bark of the plant is gray-brown and has thorns that are 1-3 cm long.
Uses
Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. piperi (Britt.) Egglest has several uses. Historically, this plant was used for medicinal purposes by Native American tribes. The leaves, flowers, and fruits were used to treat several ailments, including heart disease, digestive issues, and skin conditions. The fruit of the plant can also be used in jams and jellies due to its sweet flavor. Additionally, the plant is used as an ornamental shrub due to its attractive appearance.
Conclusion
Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. piperi (Britt.) Egglest is a plant that is native to the Pacific Northwest. It has several common names, including Piper's hawthorn and Columbia hawthorn. The plant has ornamental and medicinal uses and is characterized by a woody stem, serrated leaves, and thorns. The flowers of the plant are small and white, while the fruit is an edible red or orange drupe.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. piperi (Britt.) Egglest. grows best in full to partial sun, which means it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It is not recommended to grow this plant in complete shade as it will weaken the branches and may cause leaf drop.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species grows best in a cooler climate with an average temperature range of 50-75°F. It is generally not recommended to grow them in temperatures above 90°F as this can cause the leaves to dry out or scorch. Similarly, if the plant is exposed to temperatures below 20°F for an extended period, the plant may be damaged or die.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. piperi (Britt.) Egglest. prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant can grow in slightly acidic or alkaline soils, but it will not tolerate soil that is too acidic or too alkaline. Soil that is too wet or dense may cause root rot and can damage the plant, which is why it is recommended to plant it in a raised bed or container with good drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus columbiana var. piperi is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires moist, well-drained soil. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 8.0. It can be propagated by seed or cuttings, and it responds well to transplanting.
Watering Needs
To keep the plant healthy, it should be watered regularly. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. The frequency and amount of watering will depend on several factors, including the plant's age, size, and location. However, during the hot summer months, it may need watering more frequently to prevent the plant from drying out.
Fertilization
Crataegus columbiana var. piperi is a relatively low-fertilizer plant. However, it benefits from occasional applications of balanced fertilizer. Fertilization should be done in the early spring before new growth appears, using a slow-release fertilizer. Overfertilization can lead to excessive growth, reducing the plant's overall health and appearance.
Pruning
Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. It is essential to prune the plant regularly to maintain its shape and size. Pruning also helps to eliminate dead or damaged branches, promoting healthy growth and preventing the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Crataegus columbiana var. piperi
Crataegus columbiana var. piperi, commonly known as Piper's hawthorn, can be propagated through several methods. The plant can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Crataegus columbiana var. piperi can be collected from the fruit which ripens from August to September. Once collected, the seeds need to undergo stratification before sowing. Stratification involves keeping the seeds in a moist and cold environment for several weeks to simulate winter conditions. After stratification, the seeds can be sowed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist. Germination usually occurs within 6 to 12 weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken from the current season's growth or from the mature growth. The cuttings need to be around 4-6 inches long and have at least 2 to 3 leaf nodes. The lower leaves are then stripped away, and the cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil. The cuttings can then be placed in a warm and humid environment until rooting occurs, usually within 4 to 6 weeks.
Propagation through Grafting
Grafting is a technique where a cutting, or scion, of the desired plant is attached to a suitable rootstock. For Crataegus columbiana var. piperi, the rootstock used is usually Crataegus mollis or Crataegus monogyna. The grafting is done in the early spring before the new growth appears. The scion is inserted into the rootstock, and the two pieces are then bound together. The grafted plant is then placed in a warm, humid environment for about 2 to 4 weeks until the graft union has taken hold.
Disease Management
Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. piperi (Britt.) Egglest. is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Cedar-hawthorn rust
- Fabraea leaf spot
- Fire blight
To manage these diseases, it is recommended to:
- Prune the plant for better air circulation and sunlight penetration, which reduces humidity and slows the spread of rust and leaf spot diseases
- Use chemical fungicides to control cedar-hawthorn rust and Fabraea leaf spot
- Remove and destroy infected plant parts, including fruit and twigs, and sterilize pruning tools to prevent the spread of fire blight
Pest Management
Crataegus columbiana T.J. Howell var. piperi (Britt.) Egglest. attracts several pests, including:
- Apple maggot
- Spider mites
- Hawthorn lace bug
To manage these pests, it is recommended to:
- Use sticky traps to capture apple maggots and reduce their population
- Introduce natural predators such as ladybugs to control spider mites
- Spray insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to reduce the population of hawthorn lace bugs
- Keep the plant healthy through proper watering and fertilization, which makes it more resistant to pests
