Origin
Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps, commonly known as the Dodge's hawthorn, is a small tree or shrub that is native to North America. It can be found in the eastern United States, from Maine to Georgia, and west to Illinois and Arkansas.
Common Names
Aside from Dodge's hawthorn, this plant is also known as yellow-fruited thorn and yellow hawthorn.
Uses
The fruits of Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida are edible and can be used in pies, jams, and jellies. The plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat heart and circulatory problems such as high blood pressure and chest pain. In landscaping, it is often used as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and foliage.
General Appearance
Dodge's hawthorn grows up to 20 feet tall and has a rounded shape. The tree or shrub produces white fragrant flowers in the spring, followed by clusters of small, yellow fruit in the fall. It has green, lobed leaves that turn reddish-purple in the fall. The bark is gray or brown and has thorny branches.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps
Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps is a small shrub that typically grows in open woodlands, rocky slopes, and ridges. The plant is native to the United States and can be found in the Great Lakes region, southern Appalachians, and mid-Atlantic coastal plain.
Light Requirements
Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps prefers full sun to partial shade. The plant can grow in areas with high levels of shade, but it may not flower as much as it would in full sun. In areas with full sun, the plant may require extra moisture to prevent the soil from becoming too dry.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps grows in a wide variety of temperature ranges, including both cold and hot climates. The plant is cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°F. In hot climates, the plant may need extra watering to prevent the soil from becoming too dry.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps thrives in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can also grow in rocky or sandy soils. The plant is tolerant of poor soils and can thrive in areas that have been disturbed, such as roadsides and mining sites.
In summary, Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps requires full sun to partial shade, can grow in a variety of temperature ranges, and thrives in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant is tolerant of poor soils and can grow in disturbed areas.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps is a highly adaptable plant species that can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive, although it can tolerate partial shade. It is essential to prepare the soil adequately before planting, which involves loosening the soil and ensuring proper drainage.
Watering Needs
The Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps prefers moist soil to grow and thrive. Watering should be done deeply but infrequently to allow for proper root development. A general rule of thumb is to water plants once a week, ensuring that the soil is thoroughly saturated in the process. When watering, it is important to avoid wetting the leaves to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
When it comes to fertilization, the Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps requires minimal feeding. A light application of a balanced fertilizer is recommended during the growing season to ensure proper growth and development. However, over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth, resulting in weak and spindly branches.
Pruning
The Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps is a relatively low maintenance plant species that requires minimal pruning. However, pruning is essential to maintain the plant's shape and health. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, which occurs in late winter or early spring just before the new growth begins. It is advisable to remove dead or damaged wood, suckers, and crossing branches. Pruning should be done carefully to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps
Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, and grafting. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we will take a closer look at below.
Propagation from Seeds
Propagation from seeds is a common method for Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps. The seeds can be collected from the fruit in the fall, cleaned, and stored in a cool and dry place until the following spring. In early spring, the seeds can be sown in well-draining soil and watered regularly. The young seedlings will need to be protected from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures until they become more established.
Propagation from seeds has the advantage of producing a large number of plants at a relatively low cost. However, the resulting plants may not be uniform in their characteristics, which can be a concern for certain horticultural applications.
Propagation from Cuttings
Propagation from cuttings is another effective method for Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps. Softwood cuttings can be taken in the spring or summer and treated with rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil. Hardwood cuttings, taken in the winter when the plant is dormant, can also be rooted with a higher success rate than softwood cuttings.
The advantage of propagation from cuttings is that the resulting plants will be identical to the parent plant in terms of their characteristics, making them ideal for horticultural applications that require uniformity. However, this method can be more time-consuming and labor-intensive than propagation from seeds.
Grafting
Grafting is a third method that can be used to propagate Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps. This method involves taking a small stem or bud from the desired plant and attaching it to the root system of a different plant. The plant used for the root system is known as the rootstock, and it will determine the ultimate size and vigor of the resulting plant.
The advantage of grafting is that it can produce plants that are more disease-resistant and have superior growth characteristics. However, this method requires a higher level of skill and specialized equipment, making it less accessible than other propagation methods.
Disease Management
Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps are susceptible to several diseases, including apple scab, fire blight, powdery mildew, and cedar-hawthorn rust. To manage these diseases, it is important to practice good cultural practices such as having good air circulation around plants, removing infected plant debris, and planting in well-drained soils. Additionally, regular inspections of plants for disease symptoms are crucial to catch any problems early on.
Fungicidal sprays can be applied to manage some of these diseases. For instance, apple scab and powdery mildew can be managed with sulfur or copper-based fungicides. When using fungicides, always follow instructions and timing recommendations from the manufacturer.
Pest Management
Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps are also prone to several pests, including aphids, caterpillars, mites, and scale insects. These pests can be managed through a combination of cultural practices and the use of insecticides.
Practices such as removing infested plant material, maintaining healthy plant growth, and using companion planting to attract natural predators of pests can be beneficial in managing pest populations. Insecticides may also be used to control pests, but be cautious with their use as they can also harm beneficial insects and pollinators. Always read the instructions and use insecticides following the recommended procedures.
Regularly inspecting plants for pest infestations is essential to catch any issues early on. Prompt removal and disposal of infested plant material, followed by proper sanitation procedures, can help prevent the spread of pests from plant to plant.
By implementing these disease and pest management practices, you can help keep your Crataegus dodgei Ashe var. flavida (Sarg.) P.G. Sm. & Phipps plants healthy and thriving.
