Origin
Crataegus douglasii Lindl. var. suksdorfii Sarg. is a plant species that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This species is native to the western part of North America, including Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington. It can be found growing in various habitats, including forests and rocky slopes.
Common Names
This plant species is commonly known by several names, including black hawthorn, Douglas hawthorn, and Suksdorf hawthorn. In some regions, it is also referred to as may-tree or thornapple.
Appearance
The Crataegus douglasii Lindl. var. suksdorfii Sarg. is a deciduous tree or shrub that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It has a rounded crown and a thick trunk with a rough, gray-brown bark. The branches are densely covered with thorns that can grow up to 5 cm long.
The leaves are alternate and simple, with a serrated margin. They are dark green and shiny, with a length of about 5-7 cm. In the autumn, the foliage turns to yellow, orange, or red, depending on the climate.
The flowers of this plant species are white or pinkish, with five petals. They bloom in the spring and are clustered in groups of 3-7. The fruits are small, red, and roughly spherical, with a diameter of about 1 cm.
Uses
Crataegus douglasii Lindl. var. suksdorfii Sarg. has several uses in traditional medicine. The bark, leaves, and flowers are used to treat various ailments, including cardiovascular diseases, digestive problems, and respiratory disorders. The fruits are also edible and can be used for making preserves, jams, and jellies.
Furthermore, this plant species is beneficial for wildlife. The fruit provides food for birds and some mammals, while the thorny branches offer shelter and nesting sites for birds.
Growth conditions for Crataegus douglasii Lindl. var. suksdorfii Sarg.
Crataegus douglasii Lindl. var. suksdorfii Sarg. is a deciduous shrub species native to western North America, specifically Oregon and Washington. It is commonly known as black hawthorn and is a popular ornamental shrub due to its beautiful white flowers and red berries. Understanding the typical growth conditions for this plant is important for ensuring successful cultivation.
Light Requirements
Crataegus douglasii Lindl. var. suksdorfii Sarg. prefers full sun to partial shade conditions for optimal growth. It is important to note that although it can tolerate some shade, too much shade can result in poor growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Black hawthorn is adapted to a range of temperatures, with its native range experiencing hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F) and as high as 38°C (100°F). However, it is important to note that extreme temperatures may affect its growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus douglasii Lindl. var. suksdorfii Sarg. grows best in well-drained, loamy soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. Its root system is shallow, and it prefers soil with good organic matter content. It is important to avoid overly wet or compacted soils, as they can lead to poor growth and disease susceptibility.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus douglasii Lindl. var. suksdorfii Sarg., locally known as Black Hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree with a broad, rounded canopy. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8, making it an ideal plant for the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It prefers full sun or partial shade and well-draining soil. When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball.
During the first year of growth, water the plant regularly and make sure it receives six hours of sunlight daily. Keep in mind that this plant has a slow growth rate, so be patient with it.
Watering Needs
The Black Hawthorn is a moderately drought-tolerant plant, but it appreciates regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water the plant deeply once a week, and avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. Keep in mind that the plant's watering needs may vary depending on the climate, soil type, and age of the plant.
Fertilization
When it comes to fertilizing Black Hawthorn, it's best to follow a less-is-more approach. Only fertilize the plant if the soil is poor in nutrients or the plant is showing signs of slow growth. Use an organic fertilizer in early spring or late fall, and avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they can promote foliage growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.
Pruning
Pruning Black Hawthorn is not necessary, but it can help maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any damaged, diseased, or crossing branches. You can also prune the plant to encourage a more open growth habit. Avoid pruning the plant in the fall or summer as it can stimulate new growth that may not have enough time to harden off before winter.
Propagation of Crataegus douglasii Lindl. var. suksdorfii Sarg.
Crataegus douglasii Lindl. var. suksdorfii Sarg. is commonly propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The propagation through seeds is the most common method of propagating Crataegus douglasii Lindl. var. suksdorfii Sarg. Seeds can be collected in the fall once they have fully ripened. To increase germination rates, it is recommended to stratify the seeds for 90 to 120 days at temperatures between 33-41°F (1-5°C) in a moist medium. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a potting mixture made of equal parts of peat and sand. The pots should be kept in a warm location to encourage germination. Once the seedlings reach a height of 2-3 inches, they can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken in the late spring or early summer from new growth that has yet to become woody. Semi-hardwood cuttings, approximately 6 inches long, should be taken from the parent plant and treated with rooting hormone. The cuttings can then be placed in a potting mixture of equal parts peat and sand. The pots should be kept in a warm, humid location and misted regularly to prevent the cuttings from drying out. It is recommended to cover the cuttings with plastic or a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity. After rooting has occurred, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Crataegus douglasii Lindl. var. suksdorfii Sarg. is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but it is still susceptible to some common diseases.
One common disease that can affect the plant is fire blight. This is a bacterial disease that can be easily identified by the blackening of leaves and shoots. To control fire blight, it is necessary to prune infected areas and sterilize tools after each cut. Additionally, copper-based fungicides can be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Another disease that may affect Crataegus douglasii Lindl. var. suksdorfii Sarg. is powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that can be identified by the small, white powdery spots on leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, it is important to provide good air circulation and avoid over-fertilization. If the disease does occur, it can be controlled with fungicides or a solution of baking soda and water.
Pest Management
Crataegus douglasii Lindl. var. suksdorfii Sarg. is also relatively resistant to pests, but there are a few common pests that may affect it.
One common pest that may affect the plant is the apple maggot. This pest can be identified by the small, white maggots that appear on the fruit. To prevent apple maggots, it is important to harvest fruit promptly and to dispose of fallen fruit. Additionally, sticky traps and insecticide sprays can be used to control the pest.
Another pest that may affect Crataegus douglasii Lindl. var. suksdorfii Sarg. is the tent caterpillar. This pest creates large, unsightly nests on the branches of the plant. To control tent caterpillars, it is necessary to physically remove the nests and destroy them. Additionally, insecticide sprays can be used to prevent future infestations.
By managing diseases and pests on Crataegus douglasii Lindl. var. suksdorfii Sarg., you can help ensure that the plant remains healthy and thrives in its environment.
