Overview of Crataegus dilatata Sarg.
Crataegus dilatata Sarg. is a species of hawthorn that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is commonly known as the eastern hawthorn, Appalachian hawthorn, or broadleaf hawthorn.
Origin of Crataegus dilatata Sarg.
The eastern hawthorn is native to the eastern United States, where it can be found from Maine to Georgia and west to Arkansas and Missouri.
Common names of Crataegus dilatata Sarg.
The eastern hawthorn is commonly known by several different names, including Appalachian hawthorn, broadleaf hawthorn, southern hawthorn, and dilated hawthorn.
Uses of Crataegus dilatata Sarg.
Crataegus dilatata Sarg. has been used for several medicinal purposes. The roots and bark have been used to treat heart disease, digestive problems, and kidney disease. The fruit can be used to make jams and jellies. The tree is also planted for ornamental purposes due to its attractive foliage and clusters of white flowers in spring.
General appearance of Crataegus dilatata Sarg.
The eastern hawthorn is a small deciduous tree or shrub that can grow up to 25 feet tall. It has a rounded crown with branches that are often thorny. The leaves are oval-shaped with serrated edges and can grow up to 3 inches long. In spring, the tree produces clusters of white flowers that are aromatic. The fruit is a red or yellow apple-like pome that ripens in the fall and persists on the tree throughout the winter.
Light Requirements
Crataegus dilatata Sarg. thrives best in full sun. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient sunlight can cause the plant to produce fewer flowers and fruits, while too much sunlight can scorch its foliage. Therefore, it's essential to grow this plant in a spot with ample sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Crataegus dilatata Sarg. is between 18°C to 24°C. The plant can tolerate some frost, but it prefers moderate temperatures. Cold weather can damage the plant, while hot weather can cause excessive water loss through transpiration. If the temperature rises above 30°C, it is recommended to water the plant frequently to prevent dehydration and wilting.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is moist and rich in organic matter. The optimum pH range for Crataegus dilatata Sarg. is between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic soils but struggles in extremely alkaline soils. Additionally, the soil should contain sufficient nutrients to support adequate growth and flowering. It's essential to amend the soil with compost or organic matter to improve its overall fertility.
Cultivation Methods of Crataegus dilatata Sarg.
Crataegus dilatata Sarg., commonly known as an Appalachian hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the rose family. It is native to the Appalachian mountain region in North America. Cultivating a healthy Crataegus dilatata Sarg. requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
The best time to plant Crataegus dilatata Sarg. is during the early spring or late fall. To plant, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and slightly deeper. Mix some compost into the soil and backfill the hole. Water the plant thoroughly and add a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture.
Watering Needs of Crataegus dilatata Sarg.
Proper watering is crucial to the growth and health of Crataegus dilatata Sarg. The plant requires deep and infrequent watering rather than frequent light watering. Water the plant thoroughly but allow the soil to dry partially before watering again. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
During hot and dry weather, the plant may require more water than usual. Check the soil regularly and increase watering if necessary. It is also essential to water around the base of the plant rather than overhead to prevent fungal diseases that thrive in moist foliage.
Fertilization of Crataegus dilatata Sarg.
Crataegus dilatata Sarg. does not require much fertilizer but benefits from a balanced slow-release fertilizer once a year. Apply the fertilizer in early spring just before new growth begins.
Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant. It is also essential to avoid fertilizing during the fall as it can make the plant more susceptible to winter damage.
Pruning of Crataegus dilatata Sarg.
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and health of Crataegus dilatata Sarg. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, either in late fall or early spring, before new growth begins.
Avoid heavy pruning as it can stimulate excessive growth and lead to weak, leggy branches. Instead, focus on removing dead and damaged branches, crossing branches, and suckers that sprout from the base of the plant. Use clean and sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts and minimize damage to the plant.
Propagation of Crataegus dilatata Sarg.
Crataegus dilatata Sarg. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
Seeds of Crataegus dilatata Sarg. can be collected during late fall and early winter. The collected seeds should be stratified at 4°C for three months to break dormancy. After stratification, seeds can be sown in pots or seed beds during late winter or early spring. Seeds must be sown at a depth of about 2 cm and must be kept moist, preferably under a mist system. Germination usually takes place within 6 to 8 weeks.
Asexual propagation
Cuttings: Crataegus dilatata Sarg. can be propagated through hardwood cuttings taken during winter or early spring. Cuttings of 30-60 cm long and 1-2 cm in diameter should be collected from terminal branches. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones before planting in well-drained soil. The cuttings should be placed in a sheltered location and watered regularly. Roots usually develop within 6 to 10 months.
Air layering: Air layering is another asexual method used for propagation of Crataegus dilatata Sarg. It is usually done in spring and autumn. A branch with a diameter of about 1 cm is selected and a strip of bark is removed from a section of the branch, which is then covered with a mixture of peat moss and perlite. The area is wrapped with plastic to maintain moisture, and roots usually develop in 2 to 3 months.
Disease Management
Crataegus dilatata Sarg. is susceptible to various diseases, including:
Fire Blight
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that attacks blossoms, shoots, and branches of Crataegus dilatata. The symptoms include curled leaves, wilting, and blackened shoots. The disease spreads through insects, rain, or pruning tools, and it can be severe in warm, moist weather. To manage fire blight, prune infected parts, sterilize pruning tools between cuts, and remove infected debris and fallen fruits. Moreover, avoid pruning during the growing season, plant resistant varieties, and apply copper-based fungicides as a preventive measure.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular and brown spots on leaves. The disease is common in warm and humid weather, and it spreads through wind and splashing water. To manage leaf spot, keep the tree free of fallen debris, avoid wetting the leaves while watering, and apply copper or sulfur-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Crataegus dilatata Sarg. is also vulnerable to several pests, including:
Apple Maggot
Apple maggot is an insect that causes brown scars and tunnels on fruits. The insect lays its eggs on the fruit, causing it to become inedible. To manage apple maggots, use sticky traps during the growing season, remove affected fruits, and apply insecticides with spinosad or kaolin clay at the appropriate time.
Japanese Beetle
Japanese beetle is a destructive insect that feeds on the leaves and fruits of Crataegus dilatata. The insect can cause severe defoliation and reduce fruit quality. To manage Japanese beetles, handpick them during the early morning and place them in soapy water. Additionally, plant Japanese beetle resistant varieties, use insecticides containing neem oil or pyrethrin, or release beneficial nematodes or milky spores to attack the larvae in the soil.
