Origin
Crataegus crus-galli var. macra is a small deciduous tree that is native to the United States. It is commonly found in the eastern half of the country, from Maine to Florida and west to Ohio and Arkansas.
Common Names
Common names for Crataegus crus-galli var. macra include cockspur hawthorn, small thornless cockspur, and Beadle's Hawthorn.
Uses
Crataegus crus-galli var. macra is often used as a landscaping plant due to its attractive blooms and foliage. It is also used in herbal medicine, as the fruit and flowers of some hawthorn species are traditionally used to improve cardiovascular health.
General Appearance
Crataegus crus-galli var. macra typically grows to a height of 20 to 25 feet (6-8 meters), with a spread of 15 to 20 feet (4.5-6 meters). Its dark green leaves are oval-shaped with serrated edges and a shiny finish, and they turn shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. In the spring, it produces showy clusters of white or pink flowers that are followed by small red or orange fruits in the fall. Unlike other varieties of cockspur hawthorn, Crataegus crus-galli var. macra has few or no thorns on its branches, making it a popular choice for gardens and public spaces.
Light Requirements
The plant Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra (Beadle) Palmer requires full sunlight to thrive and reach its full potential. It can grow in partially shaded locations but full sun exposure promotes healthier growth and better flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant variety can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in areas with moderate temperatures. It can withstand extreme cold temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) and extreme heat over 100°F (38°C), but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can cause damage to the plant. Optimum growth temperature for Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra (Beadle) Palmer is between 50-77°F (10-25°C).
Soil Requirements
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra (Beadle) Palmer needs well-draining soil, preferably with a pH between 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, it prefers moist, fertile soil with good organic matter content. Adding compost or manure to the soil before planting can enhance soil fertility and improve plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
The Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra (Beadle) Palmer is a relatively easy plant to grow and does well in a variety of climates. It can be propagated from seeds, cuttings or layering. The plant prefers well-draining soil and sunlight, but it can also adapt to partial shade. It is usually grown as a small tree or as a shrub.
Watering Needs
The Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra (Beadle) Palmer prefers moderate watering and cannot tolerate excessively wet soil. During the first year of growth, it is essential to keep the soil consistently moist, but once the plant has established itself, it can tolerate occasional periods of drought. Water the plant deeply once a week during the summer months, and reduce watering during the winter months.
Fertilization
The Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra (Beadle) Palmer benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs, applying it around the base of the plant. Alternatively, you can use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the summer months. Avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to weak and spindly growth.
Pruning
Pruning Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra (Beadle) Palmer is necessary to promote healthy growth and maintain the shape of the plant. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and trim back any branches that cross or rub against each other. Avoid excessive pruning that can lead to a weak structure.
Propagation of Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra (Beadle) Palmer
There are several methods of propagating Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra (Beadle) Palmer, including seed propagation, root cutting, and hardwood cutting. The best method to use depends on the resources available and the desired outcome.
Seed Propagation
One way to propagate Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra (Beadle) Palmer is through seed propagation. The plant's seeds are best collected in the fall and sown immediately or stored for the winter. Seeds can be directly sown in the nursery bed or containers filled with sandy loam soil. Temperature and moisture should be carefully managed to achieve successful germination. Seedlings should be transplanted into individual containers after one year.
Root Cutting
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra (Beadle) Palmer can also be propagated through root cuttings. Roots of the desired diameter and length should be collected in the fall or early spring and planted about 2 inches deep in a rooting medium. The rooting medium should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is essential to avoid excessive heat or direct sunlight. After a few weeks, roots will begin to develop, and the young plants will form in about ten weeks.
Hardwood Cutting
Hardwood cuttings can also be used to propagate Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra (Beadle) Palmer. The best time to collect hardwood cuttings is in the dormant season, usually from December to February. Choose healthy stems and cut them into 8 to 12-inch segments. Cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a tray filled with well-draining soil. The tray should be kept moist in high humidity and relatively warm conditions to encourage rooting. After several months, the newly formed roots indicate that the cuttings are now ready for planting.
Disease Management for Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra
Preventing and managing diseases is essential to ensure the healthy growth and development of Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra. The plant can be affected by various diseases, including:
Fire blight
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that affects many plants, including Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra. The disease causes leaves and branches to wilt and turn black. To manage fire blight, it is essential to prune and remove any infected branches immediately. It is also important to sterilize pruning tools after each use to prevent the spread of the disease. Applying copper-based fungicides can also help prevent further infections.
Cedar apple rust
Cedar apple rust is a fungal disease that can affect Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra. It causes yellow spots on leaves and orange spots on the fruit. To manage cedar apple rust, it is important to remove any infected leaves or fruit and dispose of them properly. Applying fungicides before the disease appears can also help prevent infection.
Pest Management for Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra
Various pests can attack Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra. It is essential to manage these pests to prevent damage to the plant. Some common pests include:
Apple maggot
Apple maggots are insects that lay their eggs in the fruit of Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra. The larvae then feed on the fruit, causing damage. To manage apple maggots, it is important to remove any infected fruit from the tree and dispose of them properly. Applying insecticides can also help prevent further damage.
Tent caterpillars
Tent caterpillars are destructive pests that can defoliate Crataegus crus-galli L. var. macra. To manage tent caterpillars, it is important to remove any egg masses from the tree before they hatch. Applying insecticides can also help prevent further damage.
