Overview
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. oblongata Sarg. is a deciduous plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is commonly known by its English name, Cockspur Hawthorn.
Origin
The plant is endemic to North America and is widely distributed in the United States and Canada.
Common Names
Aside from Cockspur Hawthorn, the plant is also known as the Large-Fruited Cockspur Thorn.
Description
The plant has a bushy, spreading habit, and can grow up to 5 meters in height. Its bark is smooth and gray, while its leaves are glossy green and serrated. The plant blooms beautiful white flowers that are a sight to behold. The flowers are followed by bright red berries that are oblong in shape and can reach up to 1 cm in length.
Uses
The plant has several significant uses - it is used in herbal medicine to lower high blood pressure, as it contains compounds that help dilate blood vessels. The berries are also rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Cockspur Hawthorn is also used to make delicious jams, jellies, and sauces. Its dense thorny branches make it an excellent hedging plant, and it can be easily pruned into different shapes.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus crus-galli L. var. oblongata Sarg. requires full sun exposure for proper growth, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant thrives in areas with excellent light penetration.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can smoothly grow in a wide range of temperatures, but the ideal range lies between 60°F to 85°F (16°C to 30°C). It is hardy to zone six and prefers a continental climate.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus crus-galli L. var. oblongata Sarg. thrives in a well-drained soil, and it can grow in various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soil, but it prefers loamy soil with a pH of between 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, as it can help support healthy growth, provide a strong structure, and retain moisture.
Cultivation methods
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. oblongata Sarg. can grow in a range of soil types, but it prefers well-draining loamy soil. The plant can tolerate different pH levels, but the optimal range is between 5.5 and 7.5. For best growth, the planting location should receive full sun exposure, although partial shade can also be tolerated. The ideal time for planting is in spring or early fall.
Watering needs
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. oblongata Sarg. needs regular watering during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, the plant can tolerate low to moderate moisture levels. It's important to make sure that the soil is not waterlogged or too dry. Drought stress can cause leaf drop or even death in severe cases.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be done during the growing season. It's recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer that has low nitrogen content, as excessive nitrogen can result in weak growth and increased susceptibility to disease. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be used sparingly. Additionally, organic fertilizers such as compost and manure are great alternatives that improve soil structure and fertility over time.
Pruning
Pruning is a crucial practice that ensures the plant's health and productivity. It's recommended to prune Crataegus crus-galli L. var. oblongata Sarg. during the dormant season, before new growth begins in the spring. The focus should be on removing dead and damaged wood, and thinning out the canopy to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. Avoid severe pruning as it can stress the plant and reduce fruit production.
Propagation of Crataegus crus-galli L. var. oblongata Sarg.
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. oblongata Sarg., commonly known as the cockspur hawthorn, is a deciduous small tree or large shrub that can be propagated through various methods. These methods include seed propagation, cutting propagation, and grafting propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagation. The seeds should be stratified in the refrigerator for 90-120 days before planting. This is done to simulate a natural winter period. Once stratified, the seeds can be planted in a well-draining soil mix and placed in a warm and bright location. Germination should occur within 2-4 weeks.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is another method of propagating Crataegus crus-galli L. var. oblongata Sarg. Hardwood cuttings should be taken from the tree or shrub in late fall or winter while it is dormant. The cuttings should be approximately 8-10 inches in length and have at least three nodes. The bottom node should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting into a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be placed in a bright, warm location and kept moist. Rooting should occur within a month or two.
Grafting propagation
Grafting propagation is a more advanced method of propagation. This method involves grafting a scion from a desirable tree or shrub onto a rootstock from a different tree or shrub. Grafting is typically done in late winter or early spring while the tree or shrub is still dormant. The graft union should be wrapped with grafting tape and kept moist until it heals and begins to grow.
Disease Management
There are several diseases that can affect the Crataegus crus-galli L. var. oblongata Sarg. These include:
- Cedar-Apple Rust: This is a fungal disease that can cause yellow spots on leaves and eventually lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any nearby cedar trees and to apply fungicides at appropriate times.
- Fire Blight: This is a bacterial disease that can cause the leaves and branches to wilt and turn black. To manage this disease, it is important to prune infected branches and to apply fungicides at appropriate times.
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that can cause brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene and to apply fungicides at appropriate times.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can affect the Crataegus crus-galli L. var. oblongata Sarg. These include:
- Aphids: These insects suck the sap from the leaves and can cause them to curl and turn yellow. To manage these pests, it is important to apply insecticides or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Codling Moth: These insects can cause damage to the fruit by tunneling inside and feeding on the flesh. To manage these pests, it is important to use pheromone traps and to apply insecticides at appropriate times.
- Spider Mites: These pests can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves and can sometimes lead to defoliation. To manage these pests, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene and to apply insecticides at appropriate times.
