Overview
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. capillata Sarg. is a plant commonly known as Cockspur Hawthorn or Hairy-fruited Hawthorn. It is part of the Rosaceae family and can be found in various regions around the world.
Origin and Habitat
Cockspur Hawthorn is a plant that is native to North America and can be found in the eastern and central parts of the United States. It is commonly found in open woods and wooded areas, as well as in fields and along roadsides.
Description
The Cockspur Hawthorn is a small, deciduous tree or large shrub that typically grows up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Its bark is grayish-brown and is smooth when young, but becomes rough and scaly as the plant ages. The leaves of the plant are alternate and simple, with serrated edges and a glossy green color.
The flowers of the Cockspur Hawthorn are small and white, and they appear in clusters in the late spring and early summer. The fruit is a red berry-like pome that is hairy and typically less than 1 inch in diameter.
Uses
The Cockspur Hawthorn has several uses, both medicinal and ornamental. Its berries are edible and have been used to make jelly, wine, and other culinary dishes. Medicinally, the plant has been used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and digestive issues.
The Cockspur Hawthorn is also commonly used in landscaping due to its attractive appearance, with its showy white flowers in the spring and bright red fruit in the fall. Additionally, the plant is known to attract birds and other wildlife to gardens and natural areas.
Light Requirements
The plant Crataegus crus-galli L. var. capillata Sarg. thrives well in full sun to partial shade conditions. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure to grow optimally.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in temperate to subtropical climates and can tolerate temperatures ranging from -25°C to 40°C (-13°F to 104°F). It is a hardy plant that can withstand low temperatures but does not perform well in extreme heat.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus crus-galli L. var. capillata Sarg. plant grows best in well-drained soils with high organic matter content. The soil pH level should be between 5.5 to 7.5. It is a tolerant plant that can grow in a wide range of soil types, including clay, loamy, and sandy soils. However, it does not perform well in waterlogged or highly saline soils.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. capillata Sarg., commonly known as cockspur thorn, can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.
If propagating by seeds, it's best to sow them outside in the fall. The seeds require a cold stratification period to sprout in the spring. If you want to propagate using cuttings, it's best to take them in early spring or fall. Make sure you choose healthy stem cuttings, about 6 inches long, and root them in well-draining soil.
Once the plant is established, it can tolerate different types of soil, but it prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It's also ideal to plant it in full sun.
Watering Needs
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. capillata Sarg. requires regular watering while it establishes itself, typically for the first two years after planting. The plant prefers well-drained soil that retains some moisture, but it doesn't like waterlogged soil. Once established, it becomes more drought tolerant, and it no longer requires regular watering. However, during very dry spells, it's best to water the plant deeply once or twice a month.
Fertilization
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. capillata Sarg. doesn't require a lot of fertilizer. If you notice that your plant is not growing as well as it should, you can apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the spring. You can also add compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the plant to improve the soil structure and provide some nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and shape of Crataegus crus-galli L. var. capillata Sarg. You can prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead, diseased, or broken branches, and cut back any crossing or rubbing branches. You can also remove any suckers that sprout from the base of the plant.
When pruning, be careful not to remove more than one-third of the plant's overall growth. This could stunt the plant's growth or cause it to produce an excessive amount of water sprouts, which can weaken the plant.
Propagation Methods
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. capillata Sarg., commonly known as cockspur hawthorn, can be propagated through several methods including seed propagation, cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest way to propagate cockspur hawthorn. The seeds can be collected in the fall, cleaned and stored in a cool and dry place until the following spring. In the spring, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining medium about 1 cm deep. Germination can occur within two weeks to two months. Seedlings can be transplanted to larger containers or directly to their permanent locations once they are about 5 cm tall.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another way to propagate cockspur hawthorn. Hardwood cuttings should be taken in the winter when the plant is dormant, while softwood cuttings should be taken in the summer when new stems have hardened slightly. Cuttings should be about 15 cm long and dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining rooting medium. Keep the medium moist and the cuttings should develop roots within six weeks. Once rooted, they can be transplanted to larger containers or their permanent locations.
Layering
Layering is a propagation method that involves bending a low-hanging stem to the ground and burying it slightly. The stem should be scratched slightly to encourage root growth. After several weeks, roots will develop, and the stem can be cut from the mother plant and transplanted.
Grafting
Grafting is a propagation method that involves joining a cutting or scion of the desired plant onto the rootstock of a closely related species. This method is generally used for propagating named cultivars of Crataegus crus-galli L. var. capillata Sarg. that do not come true from seed. Grafting should be done in the winter and requires skill and knowledge of horticultural techniques.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus crus-galli L. var. capillata Sarg.
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. capillata Sarg., also known as cockspur hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree that is mainly grown for its showy flowers and attractive foliage. However, this plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and overall health. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fire blight: This bacterial disease can cause severe damage to the plant's flowers, fruit, and branches. The infected parts turn brown or black and appear as if they have been burned. The bacteria can spread rapidly throughout the plant, killing it within a few weeks. To manage fire blight, prune the infected branches with sterile pruning tools and dispose of them properly. Avoid overhead irrigation and promote good air circulation around the plant.
Cedar-hawthorn rust: This fungal disease can cause yellow spots on the plant's leaves, which later turn into raised pustules. The pustules produce spores that can infect nearby cedar trees. To manage cedar-hawthorn rust, remove infected leaves and twigs and dispose of them properly. Plant resistant varieties and avoid planting hawthorn trees near cedar trees.
Leaf spots: Leaf spot diseases are caused by various fungi and bacteria and can cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves. The infected leaves may fall prematurely, leading to defoliation and weakening of the plant. To manage leaf spots, prune the infected branches, remove fallen leaves, and dispose of them properly. Avoid overhead irrigation and promote good air circulation around the plant.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small sap-sucking insects that can cause distorted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced plant vigor. They excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can cause yellowing of leaves, webbing, and reduced plant vigor. They thrive in hot and dry conditions and can reproduce rapidly, leading to widespread damage. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them. You can also introduce natural predators such as predatory mites or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of various moths and butterflies and can cause defoliation and reduced plant vigor. They feed on the leaves and can be easily spotted by their droppings and silk webs. To manage caterpillars, manually remove them from the plant and dispose of them properly. You can also apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad, which are natural insecticides that target caterpillars specifically.
