Crataegus Durobrivensis Sarg.: General Overview
Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. is a deciduous shrub which belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a species of hawthorn tree that is native to Europe, particularly in southern England, Normandy, and northern parts of France. It is commonly known as the Avranches hawthorn, named after the city of Avranches in Normandy where it was first discovered.
Appearance
This species of hawthorn tree can grow up to a height of 5-6 meters and has a trunk that is up to 20cm in diameter. The bark of the tree is grey and smooth, and its branches have thorns. Its leaves are deeply lobed and have a toothed edge. The flowers of the tree are white and bloom in clusters during late spring or early summer, while the fruits are small and red, usually appearing in autumn.
Uses
Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. has several uses for both medicinal and ornamental purposes. Its fruits and leaves have been used for medicinal purposes for over 2000 years, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, and it is widely used in traditional medicine. The hawthorn tree is known to have antioxidant properties that help improve cardiovascular health. In terms of ornamental uses, the tree is grown in gardens and parks because of its attractive flowers and fruit.
In conclusion, Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. is a species of hawthorn tree that is native to Europe and has several uses, including medicinal and ornamental uses. Its attractive flowers and fruit make it a popular addition in gardens and parks, while its medicinal properties make it a valuable plant in traditional medicine.
Growth Conditions of Crataegus Durobrivensis Sarg.
Light: Crataegus Durobrivensis Sarg. prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate a few hours of shade, but too much shade can lead to poor growth and weak stems.
Temperature: This plant species grows well in a wide range of temperatures, between -15°C to 30°C. However, it cannot tolerate temperatures above 35°C or below -20°C. It grows best in temperate climates with mild summers and cold winters.
Soil: Crataegus Durobrivensis Sarg. thrives in well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic soils. The soil should be loamy, rich in organic matter, and have a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. It does not grow well in heavy clay or poorly-drained soils.
Water: The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season, but it can tolerate drought once established. Overwatering can result in root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
Fertilizer: Crataegus Durobrivensis Sarg. does not require heavy fertilization, but it can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. It's best to apply fertilizer in early spring or late winter.
Propagation: This plant species can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or grafting. Seeds should be sown in a cold frame, and cuttings should be taken in mid-summer. Grafting is the most reliable and efficient method for propagating Crataegus Durobrivensis Sarg.
Cultivation
The best time to sow Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. is in the spring and the ideal temperature for germination is between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. You can germinate the seeds in trays or pots indoors before transferring them to their permanent position. This way, you can control the environment by providing the ideal growing conditions and protect the saplings from pests and harsh weather.
The tree prefers soil that is well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic, and rich in organic matter. For optimal growth, consider planting it in a sunny area with partial shade or in full sun. The plant grows moderately in height, so ensure you give enough room to fully mature.
Watering Needs
Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. requires regular watering during the summer and drier months to keep the soil moist. One inch of water per week is necessary for young trees in their first growing season. Established plants can withstand drought, but it is advisable to continue watering during extended dry periods. Watering directly near the root zone is the best way to ensure the water reaches the roots where it is needed.
Fertilization
Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. is a hardy plant that requires little fertilization. However, you can boost growth by adding fertilizer to the soil before planting, or you can periodically feed the tree to enhance its overall health. Apply a balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. You can also add organic matter to the soil to increase the nutrient content and improve soil structure.
Pruning
Pruning Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. is necessary to maintain a compact habit and shape. Heavy pruning should be done during dormancy in late winter or early spring when the tree is not actively growing. This will enable the tree to recover from the pruning without extensive stress. However, light pruning can be done throughout the year to remove dead or diseased branches, suckers, and water sprouts. You can also remove crossed branches and thin out the canopy to allow for better air circulation within the tree.
Propagation of Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg.
There are several methods by which the Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. plant can be propagated and these include:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating the Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. plant is using seeds. The seeds should be collected from ripe berries in October or November. Once the seeds have been collected, they should be cleaned and placed in a container with moist soil. It is important to ensure that there is adequate moisture in the soil, and the container should be placed in a cool place. The seeds should begin to germinate within three to six months.
Cuttings propagation
The Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in late summer. The cuttings should be around 15cm long and should have around five leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone before planting them in a container with moist soil. Cover the container with a plastic bag to retain moisture, and place in a bright, but not sunny area. The cuttings should begin to root within four to six weeks.
Division propagation
The Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. plant can also be propagated by dividing the root ball. This method can be done in the spring or fall, and it involves digging up the plant and separating the root ball into several sections. The sections should each have a portion of the stem and leaves attached. The sections can then be replanted in separate containers or in the ground.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is another method of propagating the Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. plant. This method involves attaching a cutting of the desired plant onto a rootstock of a related plant. This method can be done in the spring or late summer. The rootstock should be cut and a slit made in the center. The cutting should also be cut and beveled before being inserted into the cut on the rootstock. The graft should then be wrapped up in clear plastic and placed in a cool place. After a few weeks, the wrapping can be removed and the grafting checked for success.
Disease and Pest Management of Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg.
Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. is a hardy plant that can tolerate a variety of growing conditions. However, like all plants, it is vulnerable to diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. is fire blight. This is a bacterial disease that causes the foliage and twigs to turn brown or black. It can be spread by insects or through contaminated pruning tools. To manage fire blight, it is important to prune out any infected branches and disinfect pruning tools in between cuts. Copper fungicides can also be effective in preventing the spread of fire blight.
Rust is another common disease that might affect Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. Rust appears as orange or yellow spots on the foliage and can cause the plant to become weak and stunted. To manage rust, remove any infected leaves and use a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Pests
The most common pests that might affect Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. are aphids and spider mites. These pests can cause the leaves to become yellow and distorted. In severe infestations, they can cause the plant to become weak and stunted. To manage these pests, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Encouraging natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings can also be effective in reducing aphid populations.
Caterpillars such as the tent caterpillar and the leafroller can also affect Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. These pests can cause significant damage by eating the foliage. To manage caterpillars, inspect the plant regularly and remove any nests or caterpillars by hand. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a natural insecticide that can also be effective in controlling caterpillars.
By being vigilant and taking proactive steps to manage diseases and pests, you can help ensure the health and vitality of your Crataegus durobrivensis Sarg. plant.
