Overview of Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke
Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke, commonly known as giant hawthorn or Kruschke’s hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. This plant is native to China and can be found in the provinces of Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Yunnan. It is a highly valued plant in traditional Chinese medicine owing to its medicinal properties.
General Appearance of Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke
The giant hawthorn plant is a small deciduous tree that can grow up to 4m tall with a rounded crown. Its bark is scaly and grayish-brown in color. The leaves of this plant are simple and have a serrated margin. The flowers appear in clusters of 3-7 and are white or pink in color. They have a sweet fragrance and bloom during May and June in China. The fruits of the giant hawthorn are bright red, spherical, and are about 1.5cm in diameter. They resemble small apples and ripen during September and October.
Uses of Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke
The giant hawthorn has numerous uses, especially in traditional Chinese medicine. The fruit, leaves, and flowers of this plant have medicinal properties and are commonly used to treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and angina pectoris. The plant is known to contain compounds such as flavonoids, triterpenoids, and phenolic acid that possess cardioprotective effects.
Besides its medicinal uses, the hawthorn is also used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. The fruit of this plant is edible and can be used to make jellies, jams, and wine. It is also used as a flavoring agent in candies and baked goods.
Overall, Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke is a highly valued plant for its numerous medicinal and culinary uses. Its attractive appearance makes it a popular ornamental plant, while its therapeutic properties make it an essential part of traditional Chinese medicine.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke
Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke, commonly known as the Giant Hawthorn, is a species of small tree that is native to eastern and central North America. The species prefers growth in open woodlands, rocky slopes, and forest edges with well-draining soil. The following are detailed growth conditions for the plant:
Light Requirements
The Giant Hawthorn requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. When planted in shady areas, the plant tends to grow taller and more spindly, while plants grown in full sun tend to be bushier, more compact, and produce more blooms and fruits. Therefore, the plant can grow well in a range of light conditions.
Soil Requirements
The Giant Hawthorn requires well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. The plant also prefers loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The tree can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay soils, as long as the soil is well-draining to prevent water-logging.
Temperature Requirements
The Giant Hawthorn prefers cool to moderate temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15.5°C to 24°C). The plant can tolerate fluctuations in temperatures, but it cannot survive in extreme conditions such as hot and dry weather.
Water Requirements
The Giant Hawthorn requires regular watering during its growing season, especially during the hot and dry months to ensure optimal growth and fruit production. However, the plant does not tolerate water-logging and requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Fertilizer Requirements
The Giant Hawthorn does not require heavy fertilization. However, applying a slow-release fertilizer in early spring aids in the growth and maintenance of the plants. Fertilizers with high nitrogen content promote green foliage growth, while potassium-rich fertilizers promote fruit production.
Cultivation Methods for Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke
Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke is a deciduous tree that requires well-draining soil and a bright, sunny location to grow. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, but prefers slightly acidic soil. To cultivate this plant, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and ensure that the soil is moist.
Sow the seeds about 1mm deep in the soil and keep them adequately spaced apart. Cover the seeds with soil and water them gently. The seeds will take about 10-14 days to germinate. Once the seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall, transplant them to larger pots or to their permanent location.
Watering Needs for Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke
Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke requires regular watering until it is established. After that, it can tolerate periods of drought. However, in the hot summer months, it will require moderate watering to ensure that the soil does not dry out completely. It is essential to avoid overwatering the tree as it can lead to root rot and other fungal infections.
Fertilization of Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke
Fertilizing Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke is crucial to ensure healthy growth and prolific flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, but avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. A slow-release fertilizer is a good option as it releases nutrients gradually over time.
Pruning of Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke
Pruning is essential for Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke to maintain an attractive shape and promote healthy growth. Prune the tree during the dormant season, and remove any diseased or damaged branches. Keep the tree to a manageable size by cutting it back, and remove competing branches to promote optimal airflow and sunlight penetration.
Propagation of Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke
Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke, commonly known as giant hawthorn, is a deciduous tree that is native to East Asia. It is a very hardy plant that can adapt to different soils and environmental conditions. Propagation of this species can be done through various methods such as seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and grafting.
Propagation through Seeds
The most common method of propagating Crataegus corusca var. gigantea is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the fruit during the fall season. The seeds should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dry place until the spring. In the spring, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining seed starting mix and kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within four to six weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Crataegus corusca var. gigantea can be done through cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from a mature and healthy tree during the dormant season. The cuttings should be approximately 6-8 inches in length with no less than three nodes. The bottom node should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining rooting medium. The cutting should be kept at a constant temperature of around 70°F and kept moist until roots develop in about four to six weeks.
Grafting
Grafting is a method of propagating Crataegus corusca var. gigantea by connecting a stem or bud from one plant to another plant's root system. The rootstock used for grafting should be of the same genus as the plant being propagated. The scion should be taken during the dormant season from a mature and healthy tree. The scion should be treated with a rooting hormone and attached to the rootstock. The grafting union should be kept moist and protected until the grafting is successful.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke
Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke, commonly known as giant hawthorn, is a small tree or shrub that can be affected by various diseases and pests. In order to maintain the health of the plant, it is important to identify these issues and take appropriate measures to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke is leaf spot, caused by the fungus Entomosporium maculatum. Symptoms of this disease include small, reddish-purple spots on the leaves that eventually turn brown and cause defoliation. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove and destroy infected leaves, as well as maintain good air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity.
Another disease that can affect this plant is fire blight, caused by the bacteria Erwinia amylovora. Symptoms of fire blight include wilting, blackening, and death of the shoots and leaves. To manage fire blight, affected areas should be pruned immediately, and any pruning tools should be disinfected to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
In addition to diseases, Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke can also be affected by various pests. One of the most common pests is the hawthorn lace bug. The nymphs and adults of this bug feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing yellow stippling and premature leaf drop. To manage hawthorn lace bugs, it is important to maintain good plant health and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
Another pest that can affect this plant is the pear sawfly, whose larvae can feed on the leaves and cause defoliation. To manage pear sawflies, it is important to remove and destroy affected leaves, as well as use a foliar spray of Bacillus thuringiensis to kill the larvae.
Overall, by keeping an eye out for common diseases and pests and taking appropriate measures to manage them, it is possible to maintain the health of Crataegus corusca Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke and ensure its longevity and beauty in the landscape.
