Crataegus dodgei Ashe
Crataegus dodgei Ashe is a species of hawthorn commonly found in the southeastern United States. This plant is a part of the Rosaceae family and is commonly referred to as "Dodge's hawthorn" or "red haw".
Appearance
This deciduous plant typically grows to be 10-15 feet in height and has a spread of 15-20 feet. The foliage consists of dark green, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The tree produces clusters of showy white or pink blooms along its branches in the spring and early summer. The fruit, which is produced later in the year, is a red or orange pome about ¼ inch in diameter.
Uses
Crataegus dodgei Ashe has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes over the years, including as a tonic for the heart. Native Americans also used the bark of the plant to treat a range of ailments, including diarrhea and sore throats. Today, it is commonly used in landscaping to add an ornamental touch to gardens and public spaces.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus dodgei Ashe plant typically thrives in bright, direct sunlight. It requires approximately six to eight hours of sunlight exposure daily for optimal growth and development. Insufficient exposure may lead to stunted growth, leaf loss, and decreased plant vigor.
Temperature Requirements
The Crataegus dodgei Ashe plant grows well in a range of temperatures. While the plant is known to tolerate a certain amount of cold, freezing temperatures can damage the plant. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C). However, the plant will endure high temperatures (up to 100°F or 38°C) as long as it is sufficiently watered.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus dodgei Ashe plant thrives in well-draining, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The plant can tolerate different soil types, such as clay, sandy, or loamy, as long as the soil is adequately well-draining to prevent waterlogging or root rot. The plant prefers a soil that is moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods for Crataegus dodgei Ashe
Crataegus dodgei Ashe, also known as the Dodge's thorn apple, is a small tree that is native to the southeastern United States. If you want to cultivate this tree, it's essential to know that it prefers to grow in well-draining soils that are acidic and moist. The tree can grow in full sun or partial shade, but if you can provide it with a spot that gets some shade during the hottest part of the day, it will be healthier.
Watering Needs for Crataegus dodgei Ashe
Crataegus dodgei Ashe needs regular watering during the first year of growth to establish its root system. After that, the tree can tolerate periods of drought, but it still needs regular watering during dry spells. As a rule of thumb, you should water the tree thoroughly when the top inch of the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization for Crataegus dodgei Ashe
If you want to fertilize Crataegus dodgei Ashe, you should do it in late winter or early spring before the tree starts to grow new leaves. Use a slow-release fertilizer that is rich in organic matter and sprinkle it around the base of the tree. Avoid getting the fertilizer on the leaves or stems of the tree, as this can cause burns.
Pruning for Crataegus dodgei Ashe
Pruning is essential for Crataegus dodgei Ashe. In the first year after planting, you should remove any dead or damaged branches. After that, you should prune the tree every year in late winter or early spring to shape it and remove any dead or diseased wood. Make sure to use sharp pruning shears and sterilize them between cuts to prevent infecting the tree.
Propagation of Crataegus dodgei Ashe
Crataegus dodgei Ashe, commonly known as Dodge hawthorn, is a small tree or shrub distributed in the eastern United States. The propagation of this plant can be done by different methods.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagation for Crataegus dodgei is through seeds. The seeds should be collected in the fall after the fruit has ripened, and the outer flesh should be removed carefully. The cleaned seeds should be stratified at 5°C for 90-120 days to break their dormancy. After that, the seeds should be sown in containers filled with rich and well-draining soil, and kept in a cool and humid place with partial shade. Seedlings should appear within 4-8 weeks and can be transplanted when they have reached a height of 10cm.
Cuttings Propagation
Crataegus dodgei can also be propagated by hardwood cuttings taken during the dormant season. Cuttings should be taken from young and healthy stems of the current year, and should be treated with root-promoting hormone before planting. Cuttings should be planted in a soil mix of peat and sand, and should be covered with plastic to maintain moisture. They should be placed in a warm and shaded area and misted regularly. After a period of 3-6 months, the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted to larger containers before being planted to the field.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a less common but effective way of propagating Crataegus dodgei. The rootstock and scion should be collected during the dormant season, and the rootstock should be one year older than the scion. The scion should be cut at a length of approximately 7cm, with a slanted cut at the bottom and a straight cut at the top, while the rootstock should be cut straight. The two parts should be connected by matching the cuts together and tightening them with grafting tape. The grafted plant should be kept in a shaded and humid area until healing has occurred, after which the plant can be transplanted to the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus Dodgei Ashe
Crataegus dodgei Ashe, commonly known as Dodge hawthorn, is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can damage or kill the plant. It is essential to identify the type of problem encountered and take appropriate steps to manage it.
Common Diseases
The diseases that commonly affect Crataegus dodgei Ashe are:
- Cedar- Hawthorn Rust: This fungal disease causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves, followed by premature leaf drop. Manage it by removing all infected plant materials and keeping the area clean. You can also apply a fungicide.
- Fireblight: Fire blight is a bacterial disease that affects many plants, including Crataegus dodgei Ashe. The disease causes leaves and twigs to blacken and die, and it spreads quickly. To manage it, prune and discard all infected parts and always disinfect the pruning tools. You can also apply copper-based fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Some of the common pests that affect Crataegus dodgei Ashe are:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap of plants, causing stunted growth and deformed leaves. You can manage the infestation by spraying a strong jet of water on the plant to dislodge them. Alternatively, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil on the affected parts.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars feed on the leaves of Crataegus dodgei Ashe and can cause significant damage. To manage the infestation, pick them off the leaves by hand and squash them. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural insecticide, to control the caterpillar population.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are small, oval-shaped pests that feed on the sap of plants and create webbing around the leaves. To manage them, use a strong spray of water to dislodge them from the plant. Apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
It is essential to monitor your Crataegus dodgei Ashe regularly for any signs of disease or pest damage. Early detection and management are crucial in keeping your plant healthy and vibrant.
