Overview
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. bellica (Sarg.) Palmer is a species of hawthorn that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This plant is known by various common names including cockspur thorn, cockspur hawthorn, and soldier's thorn.
Origin
C. crus-galli var. bellica is native to the eastern and central regions of the United States, specifically in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. It can also be found in parts of Canada.
Appearance
C. crus-galli var. bellica is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach heights of up to 10 meters. The bark is gray-brown and has a rough texture, while the branches are armed with thorns that can grow up to 10 centimeters long. The leaves are simple and lobed, with serrated edges. The flowers are small and white, while the fruits are red or yellow in color and resemble small apples.
Uses
C. crus-galli var. bellica has been used for both ornamental and medicinal purposes. It is planted as a hedge or in groupings for its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruit. The plant's fruit has been used to make jams and jellies, and the leaves and flowers have been used to make tea that is believed to have medicinal properties such as treating heart disease and lowering blood pressure.
Light Requirements
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. bellica (Sarg.) Palmer typically grows best in full sunlight but also tolerates partial shade. For optimal growth and reproduction, the plant requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to temperate climates and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It grows best in areas with an average annual temperature of 12-25°C (54-77°F) but can survive in areas with temperature extremes ranging from -30°C (-22°F) to 40°C (104°F), as long as the soil moisture is consistent.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loam, clay, and sand, as long as it is not waterlogged. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients for optimal growth. Crataegus crus-galli L. var. bellica (Sarg.) Palmer is a drought-tolerant plant, but it performs best when soil moisture is consistent, so the soil should have good water-holding capacity.
Cultivation Methods
The Crataegus crus-galli L. var. bellica (Sarg.) Palmer plant prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. It can tolerate some shade, but it won't flower well in low light. Prepare the planting bed in advance with well-rotted manure or compost and any necessary amendments to the soil.
Watering Needs
The Crataegus crus-galli L. var. bellica (Sarg.) Palmer plant requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. Water the plant deeply with a slow trickle or drip irrigation system to ensure the roots receive enough moisture. Avoid overhead watering since it can encourage fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilize the Crataegus crus-galli L. var. bellica (Sarg.) Palmer plant sparingly with a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. Use organic fertilizers such as well-rotted manure or compost to maintain the soil's fertility.
Pruning
Prune the Crataegus crus-galli L. var. bellica (Sarg.) Palmer plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches. Thin the plant if necessary to improve air circulation and light penetration.
Propagation Methods for Crataegus crus-galli L. var. bellica (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. bellica (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as cockspur hawthorn, is a drought-tolerant deciduous tree. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its white flowers and red fruits. The plant can be propagated by several methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is an easy method to propagate cockspur hawthorn. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits in late summer or early fall. The seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring. In spring, the seeds should be planted in a well-drained, fertile soil mix. The soil should be kept evenly moist, and the container should be kept in a sunny location. After the seedlings have germinated, they should be transplanted into larger containers or into a permanent location.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is a common method of propagating cockspur hawthorn. Late summer to early fall is the best time for taking hardwood cuttings. The cuttings should be approximately 12 inches long and should have at least three nodes. The leaves should be removed from the lower two-thirds of the cutting, and the base of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained mixture of sand and peat moss and should be kept evenly moist. After rooting, the cuttings should be transplanted into larger containers or a permanent location.
Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced method of propagating cockspur hawthorn. It involves the joining of two plant parts with cambium layers that may cause the two parts to grow together. In hawthorns, whip and tongue grafting are commonly used. The scion should be taken in the winter, and the rootstock should be in the dormant period. The two parts should be joined, and a grafting wax should cover the area where the parts are joined to prevent water loss and infection. The graft should be planted in a well-drained soil mix and should be kept evenly moist until established.
Disease Management for Crataegus crus-galli L. var. bellica (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. bellica (Sarg.) Palmer can suffer from different diseases that can affect its growth and overall health. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Cedar-Apple Rust: This is a fungal disease that causes yellow spots on leaves, followed by the formation of rust-colored spores on the undersides. It can also cause stem cankers and fruiting bodies on apples. To manage cedar-apple rust, remove juniper plants that act as a host for the disease. Fungicides can also be used, but they should be applied before symptoms appear.
- Fire Blight: This bacterial disease causes blackened and dead twigs, shoots, flowers, and fruit. It can cause a sudden wilted appearance on the plant. To manage fire blight, remove infected plant parts and spray copper-based bactericides on affected areas when the plant is in a dormant stage.
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on leaves, which can result in defoliation. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and spray fungicides on the plant as a preventive measure.
Pest Management for Crataegus crus-galli L. var. bellica (Sarg.) Palmer
Aside from diseases, Crataegus crus-galli L. var. bellica (Sarg.) Palmer can also attract pests that can damage the plant. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant:
- Apple Maggot: This pest lays eggs on the surface of fruit, and the larvae burrow inside, causing damage. To manage apple maggots, use sticky traps or insecticides during the early stages of fruit development.
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap and can cause leaf curling and yellowing. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Mites: These are tiny insects that feed on plant sap and can cause discoloration and stunted growth. To manage mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as predatory mites.
