Overview
Crataegus evansiana Sarg. is a species of hawthorn tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is also commonly known as the Evans hawthorn or Chinese hawthorn, and is native to China and Japan.
Appearance
The tree typically grows up to a height of 15-20 feet, with a similar spread, forming a rounded shape. Crataegus evansiana has glossy, dark green leaves that are deeply lobed and toothed, and it bears white or pinkish flowers in clusters in late spring and early summer. The fruit is a small, red or yellow pome, which ripens in late summer and early fall.
Uses
In China, Crataegus evansiana is commonly cultivated for its fruit, which is used in traditional medicine to improve digestion, lower blood pressure, and alleviate insomnia. The fruit is also used to make jams, jellies, and other food products.
In addition to its medicinal and culinary uses, Crataegus evansiana is also used as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks, due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
Growth Conditions of Crataegus evansiana Sarg.
Light: Crataegus evansiana Sarg. prefers full sunlight and can tolerate partial shade. It grows best in areas with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature: This species is cold-hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It grows best in areas with an average annual temperature range of 4-20°C (39-68°F).
Soil: Crataegus evansiana Sarg. is tolerant of a variety of soil types but prefers well-draining, loamy soils. It can tolerate mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soils with a pH range of 6-7.5. It is important to ensure that the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot.
Water: This species prefers moderate moisture levels and is not drought-tolerant. It does not do well in waterlogged soils or in areas with high humidity levels.
Nutrients: Crataegus evansiana Sarg. is not a heavy feeder and generally does not require fertilization. However, if the soil is poor in nutrients, adding a balanced fertilizer may help to promote growth.
Pruning: This species benefits from occasional pruning to remove dead or diseased branches, promote air circulation, and improve overall plant form. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Pests and Diseases: Crataegus evansiana Sarg. is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to fire blight, rust, and leaf spot diseases. Regular inspection and treatment may help to prevent serious infestations or infections.
Cultivation Methods:
Crataegus evansiana Sarg. is a deciduous tree that's located in areas with well-drained soils and plenty of sunlight. The planting process involves digging a hole twice as big as the tree's root ball. Mixing organic matter like compost with the soil to provide nutrients is crucial. Additionally, ensure that the root ball rests at or above the soil level. This tree is self-pollinating, so only one tree can still produce fruit.
Watering Needs:
Established Crataegus evansiana Sarg. can survive prolonged periods without water. However, during the growing season of summer, it requires regular watering. Generally, if the plant receives adequate rainfall, there's no need for additional watering. Adequate water ensures that the tree has enough nutrients and sustains healthy growth. Overwatering the plant causes waterlogging and root rot, which decreases its lifespan.
Fertilization:
Crataegus evansiana Sarg. requires regular fertilization to remain healthy and grow, especially when planted in soils with poor nutrient availability. Fertilization during the growing season ensures regular vegetative growth and stimulates fruit production. It's recommended to use a well-balanced slow-release granular fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions to prevent over-fertilization, which can cause fertilizer burn.
Pruning:
Pruning Crataegus evansiana Sarg. is mostly for shaping and controlling its size. The best time to prune is during the winter dormancy period or early spring before the growth period. Cut out any diseased, dead, or damaged branches. It's crucial to remove the water sprouts since they steal resources from the tree. Also, remove vertical branches that grow off the trunk. Prune the overall height of the tree by removing branches at the tips of the main branches.
Propagation of Crataegus evansiana Sarg.
Propagation is an important aspect of managing the Crataegus evansiana Sarg. plant population. There are several ways to propagate this plant species, and these include:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the common methods of propagating Crataegus evansiana Sarg. Depending on the availability of seeds, seed propagation can be a significant step in ensuring a sustainable population of the plant. When using seeds to propagate this plant species, it is essential to note the following:
- Collect mature fruits; fruits that have ripened fall off the tree.
- Remove the seeds carefully from the pulp and gently wash them with water to remove any remnants.
- Seeds should be sown immediately to prevent drying. They can be stored in a cool and dry place when necessary.
- Plant seeds at a depth of 0.6-1.3 cm in well-drained soil that has compost mixed with it.
- Keep the soil moist and watch for germination, which can take up to 60 days.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another way to ensure that Crataegus evansiana Sarg. plants are adequately propagated. The steps to follow for vegetative propagation include:
- Select healthy and mature plant materials, such as softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, or hardwood cuttings collected during the dormant season.
- Excess foliage from the bottom of the cuttings is removed before planting or propagation.
- Cuttings should be roughly 10-15cm in length.
- Plant cuttings in well-drained soil that has compost mixed with it and water them well.
- Keep the cuttings in a moist, shaded area and watch for new growth, which should occur between 2-4 weeks.
Propagation of Crataegus evansiana Sarg. can be rewarding, especially where there is a need to establish a new population or to enhance existing populations.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus Evansiana Sarg.
Crataegus Evansiana Sarg., commonly known as Evans hawthorn, is a plant species that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a small shrub that is native to the eastern United States. It is usually cultivated as an ornamental plant because of its delightful flowers and fruits.
Common Diseases
Some common diseases that might affect Crataegus Evansiana Sarg. include:
- Fire blight: This bacterial disease can cause wilting and blackening of the leaves, flowers, fruits, and stems. It is highly contagious and can spread quickly. To manage fire blight, cut off the affected parts and sterilize the tools.
- Cedar-hawthorn rust: This fungal disease usually causes yellow spots on the leaves and fruits, along with small, waxy, orange spots on the undersides of leaves. To manage cedar-hawthorn rust, prune off the infected parts and use a fungicide.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown, black, or purple spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, keep the plant's foliage dry, prune off the affected parts and use a fungicide.
Common Pests
Some common pests that might affect Crataegus Evansiana Sarg. include:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cause yellowing and curling of leaves, stunted growth, and honeydew buildup. To manage aphids, spray the plant with water or an insecticidal soap.
- Mites: These tiny arachnids can cause yellowing, bronzing, and curling of leaves. To manage mites, use a miticide.
- Caterpillars: These creatures can cause skeletonization, defoliation, and webbing of leaves. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant, or use a biological pesticide.
It is important to note that prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, it is recommended to practice good plant hygiene, such as pruning off diseased or dead parts, using well-draining soil, and providing adequate spacing between plants. Moreover, inspecting the plant regularly and addressing any issues early on can help avoid severe infestations or diseases.
