Overview
Crataegus divida Sarg. is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern United States. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and is commonly known as the Parsley Hawthorn or the Parsley-leaved Hawthorn.
Description
The Parsley Hawthorn typically grows up to 8-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. It has a slow growth rate and a rounded shape with spreading branches. The leaves are a unique shape and are often compared to parsley. They are bright green and have a glossy appearance. The flowers are white with a pink tinge and appear in late spring in flat-topped clusters. The fruit is a red or orange berry that is roughly the size of a pea and appears in late summer or fall.
Uses
The Parsley Hawthorn is primarily used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive foliage and flowers. It can be grown as a specimen plant or used in a mixed border. The fruit is edible, but not commonly consumed due to its small size and tart taste. The plant has also been used medicinally for centuries to treat a variety of ailments such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and digestive disorders. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before using this plant for medicinal purposes.
Cultivation
The Parsley Hawthorn prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can adapt to a range of soil types. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. The plant can be propagated through seed or cuttings and should be pruned in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
Overall, the Parsley Hawthorn is a valuable addition to any landscape due to its unique appearance and potential medicinal benefits.Growth Conditions for Crataegus divida Sarg.
Crataegus divida Sarg., commonly known as the cutleaf hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree or shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This plant is native to the southeastern United States and can reach a height of up to 6 meters.
Light Requirements
The cutleaf hawthorn requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In areas with very hot summers, some shade in the afternoon might help protect the plant from excessive heat and sunburn. If the plant is grown in a shady area for too long, it may not flower or fruit much, and its growth and development may be stunted.
Temperature Requirements
The cutleaf hawthorn can grow in a wide range of temperatures but prefers mild to cool winters and moderate summers. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°C in winter and as high as 40°C in summer. In warmer areas, the plant may go dormant in summer and resume growth in fall when temperatures cool off again.
Soil Requirements
The cutleaf hawthorn prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7.0). The plant is adaptable to different soil types, including loam, clay, sand, and even rocky soils. However, it does not grow well in wet, heavy soils that retain water for too long as this may lead to root rot and other diseases. Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve its structure and fertility, enhancing the plant's growth and health.
Cultivation Methods
The plant Crataegus divida Sarg., or the Englemann's Hawthorn, is a shrub that thrives in well-drained soils. It is best to plant it during the springtime, with a hole deep enough to cover the roots and a width twice the diameter of the seedling. Make sure to keep a distance of at least 5 feet between each seedling. This plant prefers a sunny spot but can tolerate partial shade.
Watering Needs
One of the essential aspects of growing Crataegus divida Sarg. is proper watering. It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, especially when the plant is young. Once established, the plant can tolerate some drought, but it is still necessary to water it during long dry periods. Overwatering is also harmful to the plant, so ensure that the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The Englemann's Hawthorn does not require much fertilization, but it can benefit from a light application of fertilizer once a year during the early spring. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. Over-fertilizing can cause excessive growth and make the plant more vulnerable to diseases and pests.
Pruning
Pruning is crucial for maintaining a healthy and vigorous Crataegus divida Sarg. It is best to prune the plant during the dormant season, preferably in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches first, and then prune the plant to shape it as needed. Also, prune any suckers that emerge from the base of the plant, as they can compete for nutrients with the main stem.
Propagation of Crataegus divida Sarg.
Crataegus divida Sarg. can be propagated through several methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds collected from the fruit of mature Crataegus divida Sarg. can be used for propagation. The seeds are extracted from the fruit and cleaned by removing the pulp. The seeds are planted in well-prepared soil in containers or outdoors in a prepared bed. The ideal time to plant the seeds is in the fall. The seeds take a long time to germinate, and the seedlings may take several years to reach maturity. Seed propagation is usually used for large-scale propagation or in the establishment of new populations.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves the use of plant parts such as cuttings, suckers or layering. Vegetative propagation is the preferred method because it produces offspring that are identical to the parent plant.
Cuttings
Hardwood cuttings taken from mature Crataegus divida Sarg. plants can be used for propagation. The cuttings are taken in late winter or early spring before the new growth appears. Cuttings should be between six to eight inches long and should have at least two buds. The cuttings are then planted in well-prepared soil in containers or outdoors in a prepared bed. The cuttings should root by the end of the growing season, and they will begin to grow the following year.
Suckers
Crataegus divida Sarg. produces suckers that grow from the roots of the parent plant. These suckers can be used for propagation by digging them up and planting them in well-prepared soil in containers or outdoors in a prepared bed. Ensure that the suckers have a well-developed root system before transplanting them to their final location.
Layering
Layering is a propagation method that involves the growing of roots from a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. Crataegus divida Sarg. can be propagated through layering by bending a low-hanging stem to the ground and covering it with soil. Roots should develop at the point where the stem is covered with soil, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and planted elsewhere.
Propagation of Crataegus divida Sarg. can be done through several methods, but vegetative propagation is the preferred method because it produces offspring that are identical to the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus Divida Sarg.
Crataegus divida Sarg., also known as the thicket hawthorn or Parsley hawthorn, is a tree species that's native to North America. Like other plants, it's vulnerable to disease and pest infestations, which can affect its health and productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Crataegus divida Sarg. and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fire blight: Fire blight is a bacterial disease that commonly affects hawthorn trees. It causes wilting, blackening, and death of the infected branches and leaves. To manage this disease, prune the infected branches at least one foot below the affected area. Be sure to sterilize the pruning tools with alcohol or bleach to prevent re-infection. You can also apply a copper-based fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves of Crataegus divida Sarg. infected trees. It affects the tree's overall health and productivity. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the infected leaves and apply a copper-based fungicide to prevent further damages.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are common pests that attack Crataegus divida Sarg. trees. They suck the sap from the leaves and cause curling, stunted growth, and yellowing of the infected leaves. You can control aphids by removing them manually or by spraying the tree with an insecticidal soap or oil.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that attack the leaves of Crataegus divida Sarg. They cause discoloration, webbing, and eventual shedding of the infected leaves. You can control spider mites by spraying the tree with a miticide or by using a high-pressure water spray to dislodge them.
By using these management methods, you can keep your Crataegus divida Sarg. trees healthy and productive, preventing damage from pests and diseases. Maintaining good cultural practices such as watering, fertilizing and pruning help reduce the chance of pest and disease pressure on the plant.
