Origin of Crataegus ellwangeriana Sarg.
Crataegus ellwangeriana Sarg. is a species of hawthorn plant that is native to North America, specifically found in the eastern United States from Michigan to North Carolina.
Common Names of Crataegus ellwangeriana Sarg.
Crataegus ellwangeriana Sarg. is commonly known as the Parsley-leaved Hawthorn or the Parsley-leaved Thorn.
Uses of Crataegus ellwangeriana Sarg.
The Parsley-leaved Hawthorn has traditional medicinal uses for treating heart and blood circulation problems. It contains compounds that help dilate blood vessels, which improves blood flow and can help lower blood pressure.
General Appearance of Crataegus ellwangeriana Sarg.
The Parsley-leaved Hawthorn is a small, deciduous tree or shrub that can grow up to 5 meters tall and have a rounded, spreading form. Its leaves are parsley-like, with toothed or lobed edges, and turn a reddish-purple color in the fall. The flowers are white, appearing in May, and give way to red fruits that resemble miniature apples. The bark is gray and develops deep furrows with age.
Light Requirements
Crataegus ellwangeriana Sarg. prefers full sun exposure for optimum growth and development. It can also tolerate partial shade, but too much shade may inhibit flowering and fruiting.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to North America and can grow in a variety of temperature conditions. The ideal range is between 10 to 30 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate short periods of cold temperatures but is vulnerable to frost damage during extended freezing conditions. Extreme heat can also cause stress to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus ellwangeriana Sarg. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH level of 5.5 to 7.0. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soil. However, it cannot withstand waterlogged or poorly drained soils.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus ellwangeriana Sarg., commonly known as Ellwanger hawthorn, is a beautiful ornamental shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Cultivating Ellwanger hawthorn is relatively easy as it thrives in well-draining soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. When planting, it is essential to dig a hole twice the width and depth of the shrub's root ball, ensuring that the top of the plant's root ball is level with the ground. This shrub is cold hardy and suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is crucial to the growth of Ellwanger hawthorn. It prefers moderate watering without allowing the soil to dry-out completely. It is important to ensure that water penetrates the shrub's root ball and reaches the bottom of the soil to establish a strong root system. The best time to water is early in the morning or late in the evening, especially during the hot summer months.
Fertilization
Ellwanger hawthorn does not require a lot of fertilizer. However, it would be best if you fertilized during the early spring, preferably before new growth appears. You can use a balanced commercial fertilizer with equal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, or organic fertilizers such as compost, aged manure or blood meal. Over-fertilization can lead to rapid, weak growth, which can damage the shrub during the winter months.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of cultivating and maintaining Ellwanger hawthorn. Prune the shrub during the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches and cut back any crossing branches or those interfering with other nearby plants or structures. Pruning should be done carefully, ensuring not to remove too many branches and avoid topping. Continuous pruning ensures a healthy and attractive shrub.
Propagation of Crataegus ellwangeriana Sarg.
Crataegus ellwangeriana Sarg. can be propagated through different methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and grafting propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is commonly used in the propagation of Crataegus ellwangeriana Sarg. Seeds are collected from ripe fruits in fall, and then cleaned, stratified, and sown in a well-drained potting mix in spring. Germination usually occurs in 1-3 months, and the seedlings need to be kept in a lightly shaded area with adequate moisture. The seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or transplant beds after reaching a suitable size, which may take two to three years.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is another way to propagate Crataegus ellwangeriana Sarg. Softwood cuttings taken in early spring from new growth make the best cutting material. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long with a few leaves attached to the top. The leaves on the lower half should be removed, and the remaining leaves should be cut in half to reduce water loss. The cuttings should be stuck immediately into a well-drained rooting medium, kept in a humid environment, and provided bottom heat. Rooting usually occurs within several weeks, and the rooted cuttings should be transplanted into pots or transplant beds and grown for another season before being planted in their permanent location.
Grafting propagation
Grafting propagation is often used for Crataegus ellwangeriana Sarg. Grafting can be done in early spring, using scions of desirable cultivars grafted onto vigorous rootstocks. Commonly used rootstock includes Crataegus monogyna or Crataegus cuneata. The graft union should be securely bound, and the grafted plants should be kept in a humid environment until new growth appears. Once the graft has taken, the new plant should be planted in its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus ellwangeriana Sarg.
Crataegus ellwangeriana Sarg., commonly known as the Ellwanger hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the rose family. It is highly valued for its stunning white blooms and brilliant red berries. However, like any other plant, it is also exposed to several diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity.
Common Diseases
Fire Blight: This bacterial disease typically affects the succulent shoots and flowers of Crataegus ellwangeriana, causing them to turn brown or black, wither, and eventually die. The disease spreads quickly in warm and moist weather conditions, which provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth. To manage fire blight, remove all infected parts of the plant, and dispose of them properly. Also, avoid watering the plant too frequently, as prolonged moisture may exacerbate the disease.
Cedar Hawthorn Rust: This fungal disease is characterized by bright yellow spots on the leaves and the development of brownish-red spore horns on the stems. It is caused by fungi that survive on cedar trees, where they produce spores that infect hawthorn plants in spring. To manage cedar hawthorn rust, remove all infected parts of the plant, and dispose of them properly. Also, prune the plant regularly to improve air circulation and minimize humidity, which creates an unfavorable environment for fungal growth.
Common Pests
Hawthorn Lace Bug: These small, insect pests feed on the underside of the leaves, causing them to yellow and drop prematurely. The feeding damage may weaken the plant and make it susceptible to other diseases and pests. To manage hawthorn lace bugs, prune off heavily infested areas of the plant, and dispose of them properly. Also, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the existing bugs and prevent the emergence of new ones.
Hawthorn Spider Mite: These tiny pests are too small to see with the naked eye but are notorious for causing damage to Crataegus ellwangeriana leaves. They puncture the leaves to feed on the sap, causing them to discolor and become stippled. The feeding damage can eventually lead to the death of the plant. To manage hawthorn spider mites, spray the plant with a blast of water to dislodge them from the leaves. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the existing mites and prevent the emergence of new ones.
In conclusion, Crataegus ellwangeriana Sarg. is a beautiful plant that requires proper care and management to thrive. By implementing the appropriate disease and pest management strategies, you can ensure that your plant remains healthy and vibrant throughout the growing season.
