Overview: Crataegus edura Beadle
Crataegus edura Beadle, commonly known as swamp hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. The plant is native to North America, and it is found growing in wetlands, bogs, and swamps.
Appearance: Crataegus edura Beadle
The swamp hawthorn has a rounded or irregularly-shaped crown and typically reaches a height of 6 to 20 feet tall. The plant has a thicket-forming growth habit, with multiple stems emerging from the base of the plant. The bark is gray-brown and mostly smooth, while the twigs are hairless and have thorns that are 1 to 3 inches long.
The leaves of the swamp hawthorn are alternate, simple, and dark green. They are thick and leathery with toothed edges, measuring 1 to 4 inches long and half as wide. The plant produces white to creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer, which are followed by small red fruits that ripen in late summer and persist through fall.
Uses: Crataegus edura Beadle
The swamp hawthorn has several uses in landscaping due to its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruit. It is also commonly used to stabilize wetland areas and to prevent soil erosion. The plant's thorny branches make it an excellent choice for creating natural barriers or hedgerows that can provide shelter and food for wildlife.
Some Native American tribes have traditionally used swamp hawthorn for medicinal purposes. The plant's fruits are high in vitamin C and have been used to treat scurvy, while the leaves and bark have been used to treat respiratory and digestive ailments.
Overall, Crataegus edura Beadle is a versatile and hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions and provide numerous benefits to both humans and wildlife.
Light Requirements
Crataegus edura Beadle prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can grow in shaded areas, but the plant may not produce as much fruit as it would in a sunny location. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this species in locations that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus edura Beadle is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as -40°C and as high as 40°C. However, it prefers cooler temperatures between 15°C and 24°C. The plant can grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus edura Beadle can grow in a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and rocky soils. However, it prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate clay soils, but plants may not grow as vigorously in this type of soil. The plant does not require rich soil, and too much nitrogen can result in weak growth.
Cultivation methods
Crataegus edura, also known as Beadle's Hawthorn, can be cultivated in various soils, including loam, sand, and clay. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH level of 6.0-7.5. Planting should be done in the spring or fall. A hole should be dug twice the size of the root ball to offer ample space for the roots to spread. Ensure that the plant is placed at the same depth as it was in the pot.
Watering needs
Crataegus edura requires moderate watering, particularly during the initial growth stages. After planting, it should be watered thoroughly, allowing the water to reach the roots. During hot and dry periods, it should be watered sufficiently to keep the soil moist. However, the plant does not respond well to waterlogging. It is advisable to water the plant in the morning or evening to avoid scorching the leaves with the hot sun.
Fertilization
Crataegus edura requires moderate fertilization. It is recommended to apply a slow-release fertilizer during the spring or fall, followed by an organic fertilizer a few weeks later. This will provide essential nutrients for healthy growth. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to poor flowering or leaf burn.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and promote healthy growth of Crataegus edura. It is best done during the dormant season, either in late fall or early spring. Dead, diseased or damaged branches should be removed to prevent a spread of the disease. Crossing branches should also be removed to encourage airflow. Additionally, young plants should be pruned to promote proper branching and prevent a weak structure.
Propagation of Crataegus edura Beadle
Crataegus edura Beadle, commonly known as Beadle's hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to North America and can be propagated by various methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Beadle's hawthorn from seed is the easiest and most commonly used method. Seeds should be stratified for 60-90 days before planting to break dormancy. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. Water the soil regularly to ensure that it stays moist. The seeds should germinate in 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots or transferred to the garden when they are large enough to handle.
Cuttings Propagation
Beadle's hawthorn can also be propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken during late spring or early summer from the current year's growth. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mixture. They should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they develop roots. Hardwood cuttings, on the other hand, should be taken during winter when the plant is dormant. They should be 6-12 inches long and planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept in a cool and moist environment until they develop roots.
Grafting Propagation
Beadle's hawthorn can also be propagated by grafting onto a rootstock of another hawthorn species. This method is usually used by commercial nurseries to ensure that the propagated plants will possess the desirable traits of the parent plant. Grafting should be done during the dormant season, and the grafted plants should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they grow into a sapling.
Overall, Beadle's hawthorn is an easy-to-propagate plant that can be propagated by seed, cutting, or grafting. With proper care, the plant should grow into a healthy and mature specimen that can be enjoyed for years to come.
Disease and pest management for Crataegus edura Beadle
Crataegus edura Beadle, commonly known as the Beadle's Hawthorn, is a small, thorny, deciduous tree that is native to North America. Like any plant, it is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can impact its health, growth, and overall appearance.
Common diseases
Cedar-Apple Rust: Cedar-Apple Rust is a fungal disease that affects hawthorn trees. It causes yellow spots on the leaves, which eventually turn black. The infected leaves often fall prematurely. It is best to remove infected leaves and destroy them immediately. Also, avoid planting hawthorn trees near apple and cedar trees.
Fire Blight: Fire blight is a bacterial disease that affects the blossoms, leaves, and branches of hawthorn trees. It causes the leaves and branches to turn black and die. To manage this disease, prune the infected branches approximately 6 inches below the affected area and dispose of them properly.
Common pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of hawthorn trees. They cause the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage aphids, spray the tree with a strong jet of water to dislodge them from the plant. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Hawthorn Lace Bug: Hawthorn lace bugs are small insects that suck sap from the leaves of hawthorn trees. They cause yellow spots on the leaves, which eventually turn brown, and the leaves fall prematurely. To manage hawthorn lace bugs, prune the infected leaves and dispose of them, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Hawthorn Spider Mites: Hawthorn spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall prematurely. To manage these pests, wash the tree with a strong jet of water, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis.
It is essential to keep the hawthorn trees healthy by providing them with optimal growing conditions. This includes adequate sunlight, water, and soil nutrients. Regular pruning, fertilizing, and watering will help to reduce the risk of disease and pest problems and ensure that the tree thrives.
