Overview of Crataegus compta Sarg.
Crataegus compta Sarg. is a small deciduous tree or shrub belonging to the family Rosaceae. The plant is commonly known as the eastern hawthorn or smooth hawthorn and is native to eastern North America, including the states of Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.
General Appearance
The plant has a rounded to pyramidal form and usually grows up to 10-20 feet tall with a similar spread. It has a moderate growth rate and can live up to 30 years. The leaves are dark green, lobed, and typically 2-4 cm long. The flowers are white, showy, and appear in the late spring, while the fruits are small, red, and edible.
Uses
Crataegus compta Sarg. has several medicinal uses. The leaves, flowers, and fruits are rich in flavonoids and have been studied for their potential to support the cardiovascular system and lower blood pressure. The fruits are edible and have been used to make jellies, jams, and syrups. In addition, the plant is commonly used in landscaping and as a natural hedge or windbreak due to its dense and thorny branches.
Overall, Crataegus compta Sarg. is an attractive and useful plant with a variety of potential uses. It is a hardy species that can grow well in a range of soils and climates, making it ideal for home gardeners, landscapers, and farmers.
Typical growth conditions of Crataegus compta Sarg.
Light requirements: Crataegus compta Sarg. prefers full sun to partial shade exposure. It needs at least four to six hours of direct sun each day to thrive. However, it can tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates.
Temperature requirements: This plant is native to southern and central United States and is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9. It prefers moderate temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (60°F to 77°F) during the growing season. C. compta Sarg. is tolerant of cold and can survive temperatures as low as -29°C (-20°F).
Soil requirements: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow on a wide range of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay. However, it needs a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant does not tolerate drought or waterlogged conditions, and it requires regular watering during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods for Crataegus compta Sarg.
Crataegus compta Sarg., commonly known as the New York Hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree that is tolerant of various soil types. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and can withstand harsh conditions, making it easy to cultivate in most areas. The tree is hardy and drought-resistant, making it ideal for gardeners who want an ornamental plant that demands little care.
It is best to plant Crataegus compta Sarg. in the spring or fall for optimal growth. Some gardeners recommend planting the tree in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging and facilitate root establishment. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant's root ball and plant the tree at the same depth at which it was previously grown.
Watering Needs for Crataegus compta Sarg.
Crataegus compta Sarg. requires moderate watering throughout the growing season, especially during periods of drought. The tree does well in well-draining soils that can retain enough moisture for root growth without creating waterlogged conditions that can suffocate the roots. Keep the soil evenly moist without overwatering the tree. The roots can rot if they sit in water for a prolonged period.
A good way to ensure proper hydration of the plant is to water it deeply once a week or as required, depending on the weather conditions. Mulching around the tree also helps to retain moisture and minimize evaporation. You can use organic mulches such as shredded bark, straw, or leaves to control weed growth and improve soil retention.
Fertilization of Crataegus compta Sarg.
Crataegus compta Sarg. is a hardy plant that does not require a lot of fertilization. However, you can boost the plant's growth by fertilizing it once or twice a year, depending on its growth rate and health. It is advisable to apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and late fall. Choose a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen to support the tree's leafy growth.
Slow-release fertilizers are preferable as they release nutrients gradually over an extended period, reducing the risk of fertilizer burn that could harm the tree. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying any fertilizer and avoid over-applying fertilizers as it can harm the tree's root system.
Pruning of Crataegus compta Sarg.
Pruning is an essential aspect of caring for Crataegus compta Sarg. You should prune the tree in late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant. Pruning helps to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and allows sunlight and air to penetrate the tree's canopy, encouraging healthy growth.
It is best to use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to minimize the risk of infecting the plant with diseases or pests. When pruning, make clean cuts just above the branch collar, which is the small bump that protrudes from the main trunk. Avoid leaving stubs as they can attract pests and pathogens that can harm the tree. Pruning may also help to shape the tree into a desirable form and promote dense foliage.
Propagation of Crataegus compta Sarg.
Crataegus compta Sarg., also known as New Brunswick hawthorn, can be propagated by various methods. Some of the common propagation methods are:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of producing new plants of Crataegus compta Sarg. Seeds can be collected from the mature fruits produced by the plant. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in a nursery bed or container. Seedlings should be kept moist and in a shaded area until they reach a size that is suitable for transplanting to a permanent location.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation can be done using either softwood or hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken in the early summer when the new growth is still soft and flexible. The cuttings should be approximately six inches long and should be taken from the current year's growth. Hardwood cuttings, on the other hand, can be taken during the winter while the plant is dormant. The cuttings should be taken from the previous year's growth and should be approximately eight inches long. Both types of cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and placed in well-draining soil in a shaded area until they begin to develop roots.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting propagation involves attaching a scion of Crataegus compta Sarg. to a rootstock of a related species. The scion should be taken from a healthy and disease-free plant and should be approximately the same diameter as the rootstock. The graft union should be wrapped with grafting tape and kept in a warm and humid area until the scion and rootstock fuse together.
Propagation of Crataegus compta Sarg. can be a rewarding process. Using a combination of these different methods, it is possible to produce a large number of new plants that will grow and thrive in a wide variety of conditions.
Disease Management
Crataegus compta Sarg. is prone to various diseases that can negatively impact the plant's health and productivity. Some of the common diseases that can affect the plant include:
- Fire blight: This is a bacterial disease that causes wilting, browning, and death of the leaves, flowers, shoots, and branches. To manage this disease, it is important to prune and destroy infected plant parts, sanitize pruning tools, and apply copper-based fungicides during the dormant season.
- Cedar-hawthorn rust: This fungal disease causes deformation, yellowing, and premature defoliation of the plant. To manage this disease, you can apply fungicides containing propiconazole or myclobutanil during the bud stage.
- Leaf blight: This fungal disease causes necrotic lesions on the leaves, leading to defoliation and stunted growth. To manage this disease, ensure proper aeration of the plant, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides during the growing season.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for signs of disease and take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Crataegus compta Sarg. is also susceptible to pest infestations that can reduce its productivity and affect its ornamental value. Common pests that can affect the plant include:
- Spider mites: These pests cause yellowing and browning of the leaves, leading to defoliation. To manage these pests, you can apply insecticidal soap or neem oil during the early stages of infestation.
- Hawthorn lace bugs: These pests cause white stippling on the leaves, leading to premature defoliation. To manage these pests, you can apply insecticides containing spinosad or acephate during the active feeding stage.
- Scale insects: These pests cause yellowing, wilting, and stunting of the plant, leading to reduced vigor. To manage these pests, you can apply horticultural oil during the dormant season or insecticides containing imidacloprid or clothianidin during the active feeding stage.
Regular monitoring and prompt action can help prevent extensive damage caused by pests.
