Overview of Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke is a species of deciduous shrubs or small trees in the rose family Rosaceae. It is commonly known as the Peoria hawthorn, and is primarily found in the central United States, particularly in Illinois, Iowa, and Ohio. The species is typically found in open woodlands, prairies, fields, and along roadsides.
Appearance of Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke
The Peoria hawthorn typically grows up to 20 feet tall, with a spread of up to 15 feet. It has a dense, rounded crown with ascending branches. The bark is grayish-brown and smooth when young, but gradually develops shallow furrows and scales. The foliage of the Peoria hawthorn is dark green and glossy, with lobed leaves that are 1-2 inches long. In the spring, the plant produces clusters of white flowers with five petals each, measuring about 1 inch in diameter. The flowers are followed by small, red fruit that ripen in the fall and persist throughout the winter.
Uses of Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke
The Peoria hawthorn is primarily used for ornamental purposes, due to its showy flowers and attractive foliage. It is also used as a natural barrier or hedge plant, as it forms a dense thicket. In addition, the fruits of the plant are sometimes used to make jams, jellies, or tea. The Peoria hawthorn is also used in traditional herbal medicine, primarily as a treatment for heart and circulatory disorders. However, care should be taken when using any medicinal herb, as side effects and interactions with other medications are possible.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke is a small deciduous tree that is native to the United States. The plant is known for its fragrant white flowers and dark-red fruits that attract birds.
Light Requirements
Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. When grown in full sun, the plant produces more flowers and fruits.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke thrives in a moderate climate, with an optimal temperature range between 60 to 75 °F. The tree can withstand temperatures as low as -20 °F during winter.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil with moderate fertility. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, from sandy loam to heavy clay. However, the soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0).
It's important to note that Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke is drought tolerant and can survive in poor soil conditions. However, the tree will grow and produce more fruit with proper soil maintenance and watering.
Overall, providing ample sunlight exposure, moderate temperatures, and well-drained, slightly acidic soil will ensure the successful growth of Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly referred to as the Peoria Hawthorn, is a small tree that is native to North America.
The planting location should provide the tree with full sun exposure for at least six hours a day. The soil should have good drainage and a pH between 5.5-7.5. Planting should be done in the spring or fall.
Watering Needs
Young Peoria Hawthorns must receive regular watering until established. This tree needs moderate watering during the growing season and must be watered every seven to ten days. The soil should be kept moist but not water-logged. As the tree matures, it can tolerate some dry conditions, but regular watering is still required, particularly during extreme drought.
Fertilization
The Peoria Hawthorn usually grows well in most soils, so fertilization may not be necessary. The best time to apply fertilizer is during the dormant season. Applying a slow-release fertilizer in the fall will help provide the nutrients needed for a healthy growth season in the spring. However, too much fertilizer may lead to excessive vegetative growth instead of flowers and fruit production.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary for maintaining the health and shape of the Peoria Hawthorn. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The tree can be pruned to remove dead or diseased branches and to encourage growth. Some pruning can be done during the growing season to remove excess growth.
When pruning, make sure to use sharp, clean tools to avoid damaging the tree. Avoid excessive pruning, as this tree usually grows with a natural shape.
Propagation of Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke
Propagation of Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke can be done through seeds and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke can be sown in the fall or the spring. To increase the chances of germination, the seeds can be stratified at cold temperatures for 60-90 days prior to sowing. Once the seeds have been stratified, they can then be sown in a well-draining soil mix in individual pots or in a seed tray.
Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil mix, approximately the same depth as the seeds. Keep the soil moist but not overly wet and in a partially shaded area until germination occurs. Once the seedlings have sprouted, gradually increase the amount of sunlight they receive to about 6 hours per day and water as needed.
After one growing season, the seedlings can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground in the desired location. Make sure to space the plants at least 10-15 feet apart to allow for their mature size and spread.
Vegetative Propagation
Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as stem cuttings or grafting. Hardwood cuttings are best taken in the fall and should be approximately 6-8 inches long. Remove any leaves near the bottom of the cutting and dip the end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, water it, and cover it with a clear plastic bag to retain moisture.
Stem cuttings can also be taken in the spring when new growth appears. These cuttings need to be approximately 4-6 inches long and should be cut from the parent plant just above a node. Remove any leaves near the bottom of the cutting and dip the end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, water it, and cover it with a clear plastic bag to retain moisture.
Grafting is another method used to propagate Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke. This method involves attaching a scion (a small twig or bud) from a desirable plant onto a rootstock from a related plant. This method requires knowledge of grafting techniques and is generally used by experienced growers.
Disease Management
Like most plants, Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke is susceptible to a few diseases. One of the most common diseases in this plant is fire blight, which appears as wilting and blackening of shoots. To manage fire blight, it's essential to prune infected twigs immediately. Besides, avoid spraying nitrogen-rich fertilizer on the plant and always maintain good sanitation by regularly removing infected tissues.
Another disease that may affect this plant is apple scab, which is caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis. It appears as brown spots on leaves and eventually defoliation. To manage apple scab, ensure proper planting distance between the plants to increase air circulation. Besides, maintain proper sanitation, such as raking leaves from fallen trees and avoiding sprinkler heads that cause excess moisture that will encourage fungal growth.
Pest Management
The most common insect pest in Crataegus disperma Ashe var. peoriensis (Sarg.) Kruschke is the aphid. Aphids feed on the plant's sap, and their presence can cause the leaves to curl and yellow, leading to stunted growth. To manage aphids, you can use soap sprays, neem oil, or insecticidal sprays. It would be best to apply these treatments early, before aphid populations become challenging to treat.
Another common insect pest is the tent caterpillar. These caterpillars create unsightly silky tents on the plant and feed on the plant's leaves. You can manage tent caterpillars by handpicking and destroying the nests, maintaining good sanitation to prevent eggs from hatching and using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide early in the season.
