Overview of Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praetermissa (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praetermissa (Sarg.) Palmer is a species of hawthorn that belongs to the rose family, Rosaceae. This plant is commonly known as the Faxon hawthorn or Faxon's hawthorn, named after Charles Edward Faxon, an American naturalist and a botanist. The plant is native to North America and can be found in eastern and central parts of the United States. It is a shrub or small tree that is commonly grown as an ornamental plant.
Appearance
Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praetermissa (Sarg.) Palmer is a deciduous plant that typically grows up to 6 meters tall. The plant has a dense and round crown with branches that spread outwards. The leaves are alternate, simple, and deeply lobed. They are about 3 to 10 cm long and have serrated edges. The flowers of the Faxon hawthorn are white and appear in clusters or corymbs in spring. The fruit is a small, red or yellow, edible pome that matures in late summer to fall.
Uses
Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praetermissa (Sarg.) Palmer is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in landscapes and gardens due to its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruits. The plant also has several medicinal uses, especially in traditional Native American medicine. The plant contains flavonoids and other chemical constituents that are used for treating heart-related problems, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, and anxiety. The fruit of the Faxon hawthorn is also used to make jams, jellies, and herbal teas.
In addition, the Faxon hawthorn is used as a food source for wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and other small mammals. The dense crown and branches of the plant also provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praetermissa (Sarg.) Palmer
Light Requirements: Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praetermissa (Sarg.) Palmer grows best in full sunlight, but it can also tolerate partial shade. It is recommended to plant it in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature: This plant prefers a moderate climate with warm summers and mild winters. Ideally, it should be grown in USDA hardiness zones 6-9. It is sensitive to frost and should be protected during the winter months.
Soil Requirements: Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praetermissa (Sarg.) Palmer thrives in well-draining, loamy soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0). Additionally, the soil should be rich in organic matter and moisture-retentive.
Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during the first two years of growth. Once established, it can tolerate drought periods, but it is best to keep the soil moist during the growing season.
Fertilizer: Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praetermissa (Sarg.) Palmer does not require heavy fertilization, but it can benefit from a light application of balanced fertilizer in the early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can encourage excessive vegetative growth and reduce flower production.
Pruning: The plant requires minimal pruning, but dead or damaged branches should be removed regularly. It is best to prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Overall, Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praetermissa (Sarg.) Palmer is a hardy plant that can adapt to a range of growing conditions. As long as it has sufficient sunlight, well-draining soil, and moderate water, it will thrive and produce beautiful flowers.
Cultivation methods
Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praetermissa (Sarg.) Palmer is a plant that thrives in well-drained soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant needs full sun exposure to develop properly. It can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and grafting. However, it is important to note that dormancy can be broken by subjecting seeds to wet stratification secondary to high humidity levels. Soil preparation should involve eliminating weeds and then enriching the soil with organic matter to promote root growth.
Watering needs
Young plants and shallow-rooted plants require consistent watering during the growing season. Watering should be concentrated near the root ball, and water should penetrate at least six inches deep. However, mature plants can withstand long periods without water.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. A balanced fertilizer consisting of equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied to the soil. Encourage healthy growth while avoiding over-fertilization, which can cause excessive vegetative growth and compromised structural stability.
Pruning
Pruning should be done during the dormant season, in the late winter or early spring. The first step in pruning crataegus is to remove any suckers at the base of the plant, which tend to sap energy from the apical buds. Dead or unhealthy wood should be cut back to healthy living tissue. When pruning, avoid removing more than a third of the plant, as heavy pruning can result in significant regrowth, affecting the plant's flowering capacity.
Propagation of Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praetermissa (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praetermissa (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as Faxon Hawthorn, can be propagated through various methods.
Seed propagation
Faxon Hawthorn can be propagated using its seeds, which can be collected in fall when the fruit matures. The seeds must be cleaned and stored in moist sand or peat moss in a refrigerator at a temperature between 33 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds can be sowed in the following spring at a depth of 1/4 inch in a well-draining seed starting mix. The seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots after germination or grown in the seedbed for a year before transplanting.
Cuttings propagation
Faxon Hawthorn can also be propagated using stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken in late summer or early fall when the current year's growth has started to mature. The cuttings should be 6 to 8 inches long and have at least two pairs of leaves. They should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area with high humidity until roots develop. Once the roots are established, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is another method used for propagating Crataegus faxonii Sarg. var. praetermissa (Sarg.) Palmer. The scion, which is the desired cultivar, is taken from a healthy plant and grafted onto a rootstock, which is typically a strong, disease-resistant species. Grafting is usually done in early spring, and the graft union must be protected from direct sunlight until it heals. Once the graft union has healed, the plant can be planted into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus Faxonii Sarg. var. praetermissa (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus Faxonii Sarg. var. praetermissa (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as Faxon hawthorn, is generally a tough and disease-resistant plant. However, some diseases and pests can still pose threats to its health and growth.
Common Diseases
Fungal diseases are the most common problems that affect Faxon hawthorn. Some of these diseases include:
- Leaf spot: This is caused by fungi belonging to the genera Fabraea and Entomosporium. The symptoms include round, dark brown spots on the leaves, which may turn yellow and fall off.
- Fruit rot: This is caused by the fungi Phomopsis or Sclerotinia. The symptoms include dark, sunken spots on the fruit, which may spread and cause the fruit to rot.
- Powdery mildew: This is caused by the fungi Erysiphe and Sphaerotheca. The symptoms include a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems.
To manage fungal diseases, it's essential to keep the plant healthy by providing adequate light, spacing, and nutrients. Fungal spores can also be reduced by removing diseased plant parts and debris. Chemical fungicides can be used as a last resort.
Common Pests
Faxon hawthorn can also be affected by some pests. Some of these pests include:
- Aphids: These are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause leaf distortion and discoloration.
- Scales: These are tiny, immobile insects that suck sap from the stems and leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth.
- Caterpillars: The larvae of some moths can also feed on Faxon hawthorn leaves and cause damage.
To manage pests, it's essential to monitor the plant regularly and remove any affected plant parts. Natural predators like lady beetles and lacewings can also be introduced to control aphids. Neem oil and insecticidal soap can be used to manage severe pest infestations.
Overall, with proper care and maintenance, Faxon hawthorn can remain relatively disease and pest-free. However, it's always crucial to identify and manage any problems early to prevent them from spreading and causing further damage.
