Origin
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. pachyphylla (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as cockspur hawthorn, is a native plant species in the eastern United States, including the states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Common Names
In addition to cockspur hawthorn, this plant is also commonly known as thick-leaved hawthorn, red haw, and mountain hawthorn.
Uses
The fruit of this plant was used by Native Americans as a food source and as a medicine for various ailments. The bark and roots of the plant were also used in traditional medicine to treat heart conditions, digestive issues, and respiratory problems.
General Appearance
Cockspur hawthorn is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows to a height of 15-20 feet (4.6-6.1 meters). It has a rounded crown with finely branched twigs and thorny branches. The leaves are lobed and have a thick, leathery texture, with a glossy dark green color on the top and a pale green underneath. The flowers are white or pink with a sweet fragrance and blooming in May. The fruit is a small red or yellow pome, which is edible but sour to taste.
Light Requirements
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. pachyphylla (Sarg.) Palmer thrives in direct sunlight or partial shade. It requires at least six hours of sunlight every day, making it suitable for outdoor growth in regions with abundant sunshine. In areas where the light is limited, proper pruning is necessary to allow more light to reach the lower branches.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is hardy to USDA zones 4–8 and can withstand extreme cold. However, it requires a temperature range of 60°F-85°F (15°C-29°C) to grow optimally. Young seedlings are vulnerable to frost damage; therefore, it is essential to protect them from low temperatures during the germination period.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. pachyphylla (Sarg.) Palmer requires well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients, with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. Sandy loam or clay loam soil with adequate organic matter is ideal for its growth. It is intolerant to waterlogged soil; therefore, soil drainage must be sufficient to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. pachyphylla (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as cockspur thorn, is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam and sandy soils. It prefers well-drained soil that is moist, but not waterlogged.
It is recommended to plant the seeds in well-prepared soil during the spring or the fall. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm, and spacing between the seedlings should be around one meter apart.
The plant grows best in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. It is also drought tolerant, making it a good choice for areas with low rainfall.
Watering Needs
Although Crataegus crus-galli L. var. pachyphylla (Sarg.) Palmer is drought-tolerant, it still requires regular watering. Newly planted seedlings should be watered deeply at least once a week to help establish their root systems.
Once established, the plant should be watered whenever the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. It is important to water the plant deeply, rather than frequently and lightly, to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not always necessary for Crataegus crus-galli L. var. pachyphylla (Sarg.) Palmer, as it can typically grow well without it. However, if the soil is poor, fertilization can help improve the growth and overall health of the plant.
A general-purpose fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 blend, should be applied in early spring. A slow-release fertilizer can also be used, which will provide nutrients over a longer period of time.
It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
Pruning
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. pachyphylla (Sarg.) Palmer requires minimal pruning, but it can benefit from occasional maintenance to keep it tidy and to promote fruit production.
Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any crossing branches that may rub against each other and cause damage.
To promote fruit production, it is recommended to thin out the branches to allow more light and air to reach the center of the plant. This will help to reduce disease and improve fruit quality.
Propagation of Crataegus crus-galli L. var. pachyphylla (Sarg.) Palmer
The plant Crataegus crus-galli L. var. pachyphylla (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as the thick-leaved cockspur thorn, can be propagated using several methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate the thick-leaved cockspur thorn is through seed propagation. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruit, thoroughly cleaned of the pulp, and then stratified in a cold frame or refrigerator for about 60 to 90 days. Once stratified, the seeds can be planted outside in the fall or in a greenhouse in the spring.
Cuttings Propagation
The thick-leaved cockspur thorn can also be propagated from hardwood cuttings. These cuttings should be taken from new growth in late fall or early winter, when the plant is dormant. The cuttings should be about 12 inches long, with a diameter of ¼ to ½ inch. The bottom of the cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-drained medium. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a humid environment until they develop roots.
Sucker Propagation
The thick-leaved cockspur thorn can also be propagated using suckers that grow from the base of the tree. These suckers can be dug up and transplanted to a new location. They should be dug up when they are dormant, in late fall or early spring.
Overall, the thick-leaved cockspur thorn can be propagated using several methods, including seed propagation, cuttings propagation, and sucker propagation. Gardeners and farmers can use these methods to produce new trees for landscaping, erosion control, or for the production of hawthorn berries.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus crus-galli L. var. pachyphylla (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus crus-galli L. var. pachyphylla (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as the thick-leaved cockspur thorn, is a species of hawthorn that is susceptible to a few diseases and pests. Learning about common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and taking preventive measures can help keep it healthy and productive. Here are some disease and pest management strategies for Crataegus crus-galli:
Common Diseases
Fire blight is a common disease that affects hawthorn trees, including Crataegus crus-galli. It is a bacterial disease that causes leaves and flowers to wilt and turn black. The best way to manage this disease is to prune out the infected branches and dispose of them immediately. Using a copper spray can also help prevent the spread of fire blight.
Anthraxnose is another disease that affects hawthorn trees, causing dark spots on leaves and defoliation, and can lead to the death of the plant. Applying fungicides during early spring when the buds are breaking can reduce the severity of the disease.
Common Pests
Mites and aphids are common pests that can attack the leaves and stems of the Crataegus crus-galli plant. They suck the plant sap and cause the leaves to curl and turn yellow. A strong spray of water or using insecticidal soap can control these pests.
Apple maggots are also common pests that attack the fruits of hawthorn trees. They cause brown spots on the fruit and can attract other pests and diseases. Covering the fruit with paper bags can prevent apple maggots from attacking the fruits.
Overall, regular monitoring and taking preventive measures are the key to managing diseases and pests in the Crataegus crus-galli tree. Proper pruning and sanitation practices, using disease-resistant cultivars, and avoiding overcrowding of the plant can also help reduce the risk of diseases and pests.
