Origin
Crataegus engelmannii Sarg. var. sinistra (Beadle) Palmer is a medicinal plant native to western North America, including the states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as left-thorn hawthorn or Beadle's hawthorn.
Uses
The Beadle's hawthorn has been found to possess several medicinal properties, making it an important medicinal plant. The plant is used as a sedative, diuretic, and digestive aid. It is also used to treat heart diseases, high blood pressure, and respiratory infections, among other ailments. The berries of the plant have been used to make jellies and teas for their pleasant taste and medicinal properties. Furthermore, the plant's roots and leaves are used to make a tonic that helps in improving digestion and appetite.
General Appearance
The Beadle's hawthorn is a deciduous tree or a shrub that grows up to 7 meters tall. The tree has a dense network of branches that form a rounded or irregularly shaped crown. The leaves of the plant are alternate, simple, and serrated, measuring 2 - 7 cm in length. The flowers are typically white or pinkish, and the fruit is a red, edible, fleshy berry that measures approximately 1 cm in diameter. The plant has thorny branches that bear small, sharp thorns, which are typically less than 2.5 cm in length.
Growth Conditions of Crataegus engelmannii Sarg. var. sinistra (Beadle) Palmer
Crataegus engelmannii Sarg. var. sinistra (Beadle) Palmer, commonly known as left-thorn hawthorn, is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 10 meters in height. This plant is native to North America and is commonly found in the Great Plains and West regions. Understanding the typical growth conditions of this plant is essential for successful cultivation and growth.
Light
Crataegus engelmannii Sarg. var. sinistra (Beadle) Palmer thrives in full sun or partial shade. This plant can adapt to different light conditions, but it grows best in full sun. When grown in full shade, it may produce fewer flowers and fruits. Therefore, it is recommended to provide this plant with at least 6 hours of sunlight every day.
Temperature
This plant can tolerate extreme temperatures, including freezing temperatures. However, it prefers moderate temperatures and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9. In hot and dry climates, it may require extra watering to ensure its survival and growth.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus engelmannii Sarg. var. sinistra (Beadle) Palmer can grow in a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. However, it prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soil pH (6.0-7.5). This plant also prefers soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Proper drainage is critical for root health, and water-logged soils can damage the roots, leading to stunted growth or death of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus engelmannii Sarg. var. sinistra (Beadle) Palmer, commonly known as Engelmann's hawthorn, is a deciduous plant species that grows in dry woodlands and rocky areas. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care and attention, making it ideal for novice gardeners. When planting, ensure the soil is well-draining and the plants are adequately spaced to allow light and proper air circulation.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is essential for the health and growth of Crataegus engelmannii Sarg. var. sinistra (Beadle) Palmer. During the growing season, which is typically between spring and summer, watering should be frequent, aimed at keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. However, it is best to reduce watering during the fall and winter months to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to rotting of the roots.
Fertilization
Crataegus engelmannii Sarg. var. sinistra (Beadle) Palmer can benefit from occasional fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied to the plant during the growing season. However, it is essential to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and reduce the hardiness of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the optimal growth and appearance of Crataegus engelmannii Sarg. var. sinistra (Beadle) Palmer. Prune the plant during the dormant season, which is typically during fall or winter, to encourage new growth in spring. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches by cutting them back to healthy wood. It is also useful to prune to a healthy bud or side shoot to promote lateral branching.
Propagation for Crataegus engelmannii Sarg. var. sinistra (Beadle) Palmer
Crataegus engelmannii Sarg. var. sinistra (Beadle) Palmer, also known as Engelmann's hawthorn, is typically propagated through seeds or cuttings. Successful propagation relies on planting at the right time and in the right conditions.
Seed Propagation
Crataegus engelmannii Sarg. var. sinistra produce seeds during the fall. The seeds are typically sown in the fall and left in a cold frame or outdoor bed through the winter. The seeds may be stratified before planting to promote germination. After the seeds have gone through the stratification process, they should be planted about half an inch deep in fertile, well-draining soil. The ideal temperature for germination is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation through cuttings is typically done in the late spring or early summer. Semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings can be taken during this time. Cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should have at least three nodes. Bottom leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before being placed in a container with well-draining soil. The container should be placed in a shaded area with limited direct sunlight. Watering the soil gently and regularly will help the cutting establish roots.
Disease Management
The plant Crataegus engelmannii Sarg. var. sinistra is generally considered to be relatively resistant to diseases. However, that does not mean that it is immune to them. Below are some common diseases that may affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Fire Blight
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that affects a wide range of plants, including Crataegus engelmannii Sarg. var. sinistra. Symptoms of the disease may include wilting, darkening of leaves and stems, and cankers on the bark. To control this disease, it is necessary to prune out all infected areas of the plant. Do this preferably during dry weather and use a disinfectant on your pruners to avoid spreading the disease. Also, avoid planting this species in areas that have previously had outbreaks of fire blight and ensure a good air flow through the plant canopy.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that manifests as small, dark spots on the leaves. Eventually, the leaves may turn yellow and fall off. To manage leaf spot, ensure proper sanitation of the planting site to reduce favorable environments for fungal growth. Fungicides may also be used, but be sure to use registered chemical products that target the specific fungus afflicting your plant.
Pest Management
Crataegus engelmannii Sarg. var. sinistra is generally susceptible to pests like aphids, mites, and scale insects. The pests may infest the plant and cause significant damage if not managed. Below are some common pests and ways to manage them.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves and stems. The pests can colonize quickly and lead to significant damage to the plant. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps or oils that target the pests. Ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies prey on aphids and can help reduce their population. Regular monitoring of the plant for early signs of infestations and quick action is essential to manage aphids.
Mites
Mites are tiny insects that also suck sap from the plant. They are usually not visible to the naked eye until their population has increased significantly. To manage mites, spray the plant with registered acaricides formulated to the specie of mite. Additionally, regularly prune affected parts of the plant, dispose and destroy heavily infested plant materials. It is also important to avoid over-fertilization to limit vulnerable fresh foliage growth.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small pests that consume sap, weaken the plant and open it to disease and invasion by other insects. Scale insects are usually immobile and develop hard, protective shells that make them difficult to control. To manage scale insects, prune off heavily infested parts of the plant, use registered insecticidal soaps or oils formulated for scale insects. Also, releasing beneficial predatory insects that prey on scale insects like ladybugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps can be very effective.
