Overview
Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praecoqua (Sarg.) Kruschke, also known as Faxon's hawthorn or Rockport hawthorn, is a plant species belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is a deciduous tree with small, red fruit that is commonly found in eastern North America.
Origin and Distribution
Faxon's hawthorn is indigenous to parts of eastern North America, including Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. It typically grows in moist, wooded areas, as well as in fields, along roadsides, and near stream banks.
Common Names
Faxon's hawthorn is also known as the Rockport hawthorn, named after the town in Massachusetts where it was discovered. Other common names for the plant include hawthorn, thornapple, and May-tree.
Appearance
The Faxon's hawthorn tree can grow up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Its leaves are dark green and deeply lobed with serrated edges. The small white or pink flowers bloom in May, giving way to red, berry-like fruit that is about a centimeter in diameter. Its bark is gray-brown and its branches are covered in spines up to 2 inches long.
Uses
Faxon's hawthorn has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including heart conditions, digestive issues, and skin irritations. Its fruit is edible and has been used to make jams, jellies, and teas. The plant also has ornamental value and is cultivated in gardens for its attractive flowers and fruit.
Light Requirements
Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praecoqua (Sarg.) Kruschke typically grows best in full sunlight. It can also tolerate partial shade, although it may result in slower growth and reduced flowering. To ensure optimal growth and development, it is recommended to provide at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant variety can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives best in temperate climates. Ideally, temperatures should range between 60°F to 80°F (15.5°C to 26.7°C). The plant can withstand frost and snow, but in colder climates, it may become deciduous and lose its leaves during the winter season.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praecoqua (Sarg.) Kruschke prefers well-draining soils that are moist and slightly acidic. A pH range of 6.0 to 6.5 is ideal for optimal growth. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients, with a texture that allows for good aeration. The plant can also tolerate dry soil conditions, although it may result in stunted growth or reduced flowering.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praecoqua (Sarg.) Kruschke prefers full sun to partial shade exposure. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as well as slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9, making it suitable for a broad range of climates. As a low-maintenance plant, it can thrive on its own with little intervention.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering, especially during the hot summer months. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is advisable to check the soil moisture before watering. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Drought tolerance is one of its favorable characteristics, allowing it to survive long periods of extremely dry conditions once it is established.
Fertilization
Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praecoqua (Sarg.) Kruschke does not require excessive fertilization. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth, which weakens the plant. A balanced fertilizer application once or twice in a year, preferably in early spring and late fall, can help promote healthy growth and flowering. Alternatively, applying organic matter such as compost or manure annually can provide the required nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for this plant as it grows into an attractive, naturally symmetrical shape. However, if pruning is necessary, it is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches can be removed, and the overall shape of the plant can be maintained by removing a few older or overgrown branches. Pruning cuts should be made just above a bud or side branch to promote healthy growth.
Propagation of Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praecoqua (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praecoqua (Sarg.) Kruschke is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is typically propagated by seeds, cuttings, or grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds can be collected in the fall when they are fully matured and have turned dark brown. The seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring when they can be sown directly into the ground or in containers.
If sowing directly into the ground, the area should be cleared of weeds and other debris and the soil should be loosened. The seeds should be sown about 1-2 inches deep and spaced about 3-4 inches apart. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which may take several weeks.
If sowing in containers, a well-draining potting soil mix can be used. The seeds should be sown about 1-2 inches deep and covered lightly with soil. The containers should be kept moist and placed in a warm, sunny location until the seeds germinate.
Propagation by Cuttings
Softwood cuttings can be taken in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and taken from the current season's growth. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting soil mix.
The potting soil should be kept moist and the cuttings should be placed in a warm, humid location, ideally with indirect sunlight. The cuttings should root in about 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced propagation method and is typically done by experienced growers. Grafting involves joining a piece of one plant (the scion) onto the rootstock of another plant.
The scion should be taken from the current season's growth and have several buds. The rootstock should be a healthy, vigorous plant of the same or a closely related species. The two plants should be joined together using a grafting technique such as whip grafting, cleft grafting, or side grafting.
The graft should be wrapped with a grafting tape or another suitable material to hold the two plants together and prevent moisture loss. The graft should be kept in a warm, humid location with indirect sunlight until the two plants have successfully fused together.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praecoqua (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praecoqua (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as Faxon hawthorn, is a species of hawthorn native to North America. As with any plant species, Faxon hawthorn is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can affect its growth and health.
Common Diseases
Fungal diseases are the most common type of diseases that affect Faxon hawthorn. These diseases may include apple scab, hawthorn leaf blight, and cedar-hawthorn rust.
Apple scab: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, fruits, and twigs of the Faxon hawthorn. Infected leaves develop dark brown spots, and the fruits may have black spots. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy infected leaves and fruits. Additionally, avoid overhead irrigation and maintain proper spacing between plants to improve air circulation.
Hawthorn leaf blight: This disease is caused by the fungus Monilinia johnsonii and is characterized by brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to prune any infected plant parts and dispose of them appropriately. Additionally, avoid overhead irrigation and promote good air circulation around the plant.
Cedar-hawthorn rust: This is a fungal disease that can affect both the Faxon hawthorn and its close relative, the eastern red cedar. It is characterized by small yellow-orange spots on the leaves and fruit of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to prune infected plant parts and dispose of them appropriately. Additionally, avoid planting Faxon hawthorn within a close proximity of Eastern red cedar trees.
Common Pests
In addition to fungal diseases, Faxon hawthorn is also susceptible to attack by a range of pests. Some of the common pests that may affect Faxon hawthorn include mites, scale insects, caterpillars, and leaf miners.
Mites: Mites are tiny insects that suck the sap of the plant, causing leaves to become yellow and mottled. To manage mite infestations, it is important to use insecticides that target mites specifically.
Scale insects: Scale insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing of leaves. They can be managed by using insecticides or by pruning the affected plant parts and disposing of them appropriately.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant. To manage caterpillar infestations, it is important to use insecticides that target caterpillars specifically.
Leaf miners: Leaf miners are the larvae of insects that burrow into the leaves of the plant, causing them to become discolored and distorted. To control leaf miner infestations, it is important to use insecticides that target leaf miners specifically or removing the infected plants.
Overall, to maintain the health and growth of Faxon hawthorn, it is important to implement proper disease and pest management techniques. Regular pruning and sanitation along with fertilizing and proper irrigation can reduce the risk of pests and diseases affecting the plant.
