Overview of Crataegus durobrivensis
Crataegus durobrivensis, commonly known as the Aubrac hawthorn, is a species of hawthorn plant that is native to the mountainous regions of central France. This plant belongs to the Rosaceae family and is closely related to other hawthorn species such as Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laevigata.
Appearance
The Aubrac hawthorn is a deciduous shrub or a small tree that can grow up to 5 meters in height. Its leaves are lobed and toothed, and they turn a stunning shade of orange, red, and yellow during the autumn season. The flowers of C. durobrivensis are white or pinkish-white and bloom in late spring, while the fruit is a bright red pome that ripens in the fall. The bark of this plant is grey-brown and smooth in young plants, becoming deeply fissured with age.
Traditional Uses
The Aubrac hawthorn has been used in traditional medicine to promote cardiovascular health and treat conditions such as high blood pressure and angina. Its fruit is also edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, and sauces. In addition, the wood of this plant is hard and dense, making it a popular choice for making tool handles and walking sticks.
Cultivation
The Aubrac hawthorn is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings but prefers to be grown from seed. It can be grown as an ornamental tree in gardens or used to create natural hedgerows. It is resistant to most pests and diseases and requires little maintenance once established.
Conclusion
The Aubrac hawthorn is an attractive and useful plant with numerous traditional uses and ornamental value. Its beautiful appearance and hardy nature make it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping projects. With proper care, this plant can thrive for many years and provide a range of benefits to its owners.
Light Conditions:
The Crataegus durobrivensis or the Durotriges hawthorn, grows best in full sunlight. It is a hardy species and can also tolerate partial shade.
Temperature Requirements:
The ideal temperature for the growth of this plant is between 10 to 30 degrees Celsius. However, it can also survive temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements:
The Crataegus durobrivensis requires well-drained soils, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and loamy or sandy loam in texture. In order to thrive, it is best to plant this species in the spring or fall, providing enough time for the roots to establish themselves before winter.
Cultivation Methods of Crataegus Durobrivensis
Crataegus Durobrivensis, also known as the Durobrivian Hawthorn, is a very sturdy plant that is relatively easy to grow and care for. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types and pH levels, which makes it a suitable choice for a diverse garden. You can propagate the plant through layering or by planting seeds.
Watering Needs of Crataegus Durobrivensis
Water the plant thoroughly immediately after planting, and continue doing so every week during the growing season until the plant is established. Once the plant is established, you will only need to water it in case of prolonged drought or heatwaves. Over-watering can result in root rot, so avoid watering the plant excessively.
Fertilization of Crataegus Durobrivensis
Crataegus Durobrivensis does not require much fertilizer. You can use a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall to stimulate plant growth and promote flowering. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plant and avoid getting it on the foliage. Too much fertilizer can cause the plant to grow too quickly and become weak and susceptible to diseases.
Pruning of Crataegus Durobrivensis
Pruning the Crataegus Durobrivensis helps ensure healthy growth and maintain an attractive shape. You can prune the plant in late winter or early spring while it is still dormant. Remove the dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and cut out any crossing branches to prevent them from rubbing against each other and causing damage. You can also shape the plant to your preference by pruning it lightly. Avoid pruning too much, as it can weaken the plant and delay flowering.
Propagation of Crataegus durobrivensis
Crataegus durobrivensis, also known as the hardy hawthorn, is a small tree that can be propagated by several methods. Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones, and it is an important technique for maintaining genetic diversity and preserving rare species.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Crataegus durobrivensis. The seeds are usually harvested in late summer or early fall, when they are ripe. The seeds should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dry place until planting time.
The seeds can be sown directly in the field or in pots filled with a mixture of perlite and peat moss. The pots should be kept moist and the temperature should be kept between 60 and 70 °F. The seeds will usually germinate in 2-3 months.
Cuttings Propagation
Crataegus durobrivensis can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from young stems that are free of disease or damage. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer, when the new growth is starting to harden off.
The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and should have 2-3 nodes. The leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting, and the stems should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a mixture of perlite and peat moss, and then covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. The cuttings should be kept moist and the temperature should be kept between 70 and 80 °F. The cuttings will usually root in 2-3 months.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another method of propagating Crataegus durobrivensis. In this method, a piece of the desired variety is grafted onto the rootstock of a related species. Grafting can be used to improve the growth, disease resistance, or fruiting ability of the plant.
The best time to graft Crataegus durobrivensis is in late winter or early spring, while the plant is still dormant. The scion should be taken from the desired variety, and the rootstock should be a related species, such as Crataegus monogyna. The scion and the rootstock should be cut to fit together tightly, and then wrapped with grafting tape to hold them in place. The grafted plant should be kept warm and moist until the graft has taken, which usually takes several weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus durobrivensis
Crataegus durobrivensis, commonly known as the Dover hawthorn, is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, with poor growing conditions or inadequate care, the plant may become susceptible to certain infections and infestations. Here are some common diseases as well as pests that may affect the Dover hawthorn plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Fire blight: This bacterial disease is characterized by wilting, blackening, and dieback of stems and leaves. To prevent its spread, prune the infected parts of the plant and destroy them immediately. You may also apply copper or streptomycin sprays to reduce the bacterial population.
2. Cedar apple rust: This fungal disease affects the leaves, fruit, and twigs of the Dover hawthorn. The symptoms include yellow spots on leaves, rust-colored spores, and deformities on fruit. To control this disease, remove any nearby cedar or juniper trees that may serve as alternate hosts for the fungus. You can also apply fungicides, such as sulfur or copper-based sprays, during the tree's dormant season.
Pests
1. Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck the sap from the plant's leaves and can cause curling or yellowing. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings will also help keep aphids at bay.
2. Scale insects: These pests attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant and secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes fungal growth. To manage the infestation, you can use horticultural oil or soap, or prune the affected parts of the tree. Make sure to dispose of the pruned branches properly to prevent the spread of the scale insects.
By practicing good cultural care, including proper watering, fertilization, and pruning, you can help prevent diseases and pests from becoming a major problem for your Dover hawthorn plant.
