Origin
Crataegus dissona Sarg. var. bellula (Sarg.) Kruschke is a plant species that belongs to the family Rosaceae. This species is native to the United States, specifically in the Appalachian Mountains. It can also be found in other parts of North America, such as in Canada and Mexico.
Common Names
Crataegus dissona Sarg. var. bellula (Sarg.) Kruschke is commonly known as Appalachian hawthorn or bell hawthorn. This plant species is also referred to as the New Jersey hawthorn, as it was first described by Charles Sprague Sargent who was a botanist for Harvard University and the Arnold Arboretum located in Boston, Massachusetts.
Uses
Crataegus dissona Sarg. var. bellula (Sarg.) Kruschke is used for ornamental purposes, as it produces small showy flowers, red fruits, and dense foliage. It is commonly planted in gardens, landscapes, and city green spaces. The plant's fruit is also edible and can be made into jelly, although caution should be taken as it contains seeds that are toxic when chewed.
General Appearance
Crataegus dissona Sarg. var. bellula (Sarg.) Kruschke is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 20 feet in height. It has a rounded crown and grey-brown bark that is characterized by horizontal stripes. The plant's leaves are alternate, simple, and have serrated edges. They are dark green and shiny on top, with a lighter color and a hairy texture on the underside. The flowers are white with a pink hue, and they bloom in late spring. The fruit is a red pome that is approximately half an inch in diameter.
Light Requirements:
The Crataegus dissona Sarg. var. bellula (Sarg.) Kruschke plant requires full sunlight for proper growth and development. It cannot grow well in shade or partially shaded areas. It should be planted in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements:
The Crataegus dissona Sarg. var. bellula (Sarg.) Kruschke plant prefers moderate temperature conditions and cannot tolerate extreme temperatures. It grows best in areas with temperature ranges between 50°F to 85°F (10°C to 30°C). Extremely hot or cold temperatures can damage the plant and hinder its growth and development.
Soil Requirements:
The Crataegus dissona Sarg. var. bellula (Sarg.) Kruschke plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with pH ranges between 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be moist, but not water-logged. It cannot tolerate soils with poor drainage or heavy clay content.
Cultivation methods for Crataegus dissona Sarg. var. bellula (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus dissona Sarg. var. bellula (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the Bell hawthorn, is an attractive deciduous tree that grows up to 20 feet tall and wide. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 7, and it prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral pH.
The Bell hawthorn can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. To plant seeds, prepare the soil by adding organic matter and sow the seeds in the fall. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water lightly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. To propagate from cuttings, take hardwood cuttings in the winter or softwood cuttings in the summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a pot with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and move the pot to a warm, bright location.
Watering needs for Crataegus dissona Sarg. var. bellula (Sarg.) Kruschke
The Bell hawthorn is drought-tolerant, but it prefers evenly moist soil. Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the fall and winter. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other diseases. Mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilization of Crataegus dissona Sarg. var. bellula (Sarg.) Kruschke
The Bell hawthorn does not require a lot of fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, in the spring. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and be careful not to overfertilize, which can damage the tree. You can also amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, in the spring.
Pruning of Crataegus dissona Sarg. var. bellula (Sarg.) Kruschke
The Bell hawthorn does not require heavy pruning, but you can prune it in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also prune for shape and size, but avoid pruning too much, as this can reduce the tree's flower and fruit production. Use sharp, clean tools and make clean cuts at a slight angle.
Propagation of Crataegus dissona Sarg. var. bellula (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus dissona Sarg. var. bellula (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the Chinese hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to China. It is often grown for its ornamental and medicinal values. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
Seeds provide an easy and cost-effective method of propagating Crataegus dissona. Collect the ripe fruits in autumn, remove the seeds from the pulp, and clean them. Stratify the seeds in cold and moist conditions for about three months in a mixture of sand and peat moss. After stratification, sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mixture and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water the seeds regularly and transplant the seedlings after they have developed a few leaves.
Cuttings
Cuttings are the recommended method for propagation for cultivars. In late spring to early summer, take semi-hardwood cuttings with two or three leaves and a length of 15-20 cm. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, and insert them into pots filled with a mixture of sand and peat moss. Keep the cuttings in a warm and humid environment with bright but indirect light, and water them regularly. After root development, transplant them to a permanent location.
Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced propagation method used to propagate cultivars or to reproduce desired plant traits. It involves joining a stem from the desired variety onto a rootstock of a related species. It requires specialized skills and knowledge to avoid failure. Grafting is usually done during the late winter months when the tree is still dormant. The success of this method depends on the compatibility of the stem and rootstock, environmental conditions and the skill of the grafter.
Regardless of the propagation method, be sure to use healthy and disease-free plant materials, provide optimum environmental conditions, and maintain consistent moisture levels for successful propagation of Crataegus dissona Sarg. var. bellula (Sarg.) Kruschke.
Disease Management
Crataegus dissona Sarg. var. bellula (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the Chinese hawthorn, is a susceptible plant that can be affected by several diseases. The following are some common diseases that can affect this plant:
- Cedar-Apple Rust: This disease can cause significant damage to the plant by attacking its leaves, fruits, and twigs. To prevent this disease, it is best to choose resistant plant varieties or to remove nearby juniper trees, which are a common host for this disease. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
- Fire Blight: This is a bacterial disease that can infect many parts of the plant, including the flowers, leaves, branches, and fruits. Infected parts of the plant should be removed, and diseased trees should be pruned regularly to promote good airflow and reduce bacterial growth.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease can affect the plant leaves and reduce their photosynthetic efficiency. It is typically caused by poor air circulation and high humidity. The best way to manage this disease is to apply fungicides or use cultural methods, such as pruning the plant to improve air circulation and reduce humidity.
- Anthracnose: This disease can cause dark spots and lesions on the plant leaves and twigs. It is best managed by pruning the plant to promote good airflow and reduce humidity. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
Pest Management
Crataegus dissona Sarg. var. bellula (Sarg.) Kruschke can also be affected by several pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. The following are some common pests that can affect this plant:
- Aphids: These pests can attack the plant's leaves, causing them to curl and deform. To manage aphids, it is recommended to use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or other insecticides. Ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced as natural predators to control aphids.
- Spider Mites: These pests can cause discoloration and curling of the plant leaves. They can be managed by applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Spraying the plant regularly with water can also reduce spider mite populations.
- Scale Insects: These pests can cause yellowing of the plant leaves and produce honeydew, which attracts ants. To manage scale insects, it is recommended to use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
- Leafhoppers: These pests can cause chlorosis and stunted growth in the plant. They can be managed by removing and destroying the affected leaves and using insecticidal soaps or neem oil.
