Overview of Crataegus fecunda Sarg.
Crataegus fecunda Sarg., commonly known as the Wichita hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub from the Rosaceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found in several areas such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. It is a small tree that usually grows up to 4-5m in height and spread. The Wichita hawthorn is an ornamental plant that can be used in several landscaping projects.
Appearance
The Wichita hawthorn has an attractive appearance characterized by glossy green leaves, stunning white flowers, and red fruits that follow. The leaves are sharply lobed, toothed, and serrated, while the flowers appear in clusters and have a pleasant fragrance. The Wichita hawthorn bears bright red fruits that can persist into the winter.
Common names
The plant Crataegus fecunda Sarg. is commonly referred to as Wichita hawthorn, which is a reference to its origin in the city of Wichita, Kansas. Other names for the plant include red hawthorn, green hawthorn, and thornapple.
Uses
The Wichita hawthorn is primarily grown for ornamental purposes, thanks to its attractive appearance. It can be used in landscaping projects as a specimen shrub or in groups for hedging or screening purposes. The fruit of the hawthorn plant has medicinal uses as well. The fruit, leaves, and flowers contain flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties. The extracts of these parts of the plant have been used for various ailments, including heart failure, high blood pressure, and angina.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the Wichita hawthorn is also used as a food source for birds. The plant's bright red fruits are a source of food for several bird species, including robins, cedar waxwings, and thrushes.
In conclusion, Crataegus fecunda Sarg. is an ornamental plant with attractive features and can be used for various landscaping projects. Additionally, its fruit has medicinal uses, and the plant serves as a food source for various birds.
Growth conditions for Crataegus fecunda Sarg.
Crataegus fecunda Sarg. is a deciduous shrub belonging to the rose family Rosaceae. It is native to central and western North America, where it grows best in a variety of habitats, including meadows, forests, and woodlands. The plant typically grows 1-3 meters tall and spreads out as much as 2-3 meters.
Light requirements
Crataegus fecunda Sarg. grows well in full sun to partial shade. It prefers bright, direct sunlight for at least six hours a day to promote healthy growth and flowering. However, it can also tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature requirements
This plant can grow in a wide range of climatic conditions but prefers moderate temperatures. It can withstand extreme heat and cold conditions but is not suitable for regions with high humidity. Crataegus fecunda Sarg. mainly thrives in zones 4 to 9 with average annual temperate range of 6 – 21°C (43 – 70°F).
Soil requirements
The ideal soil for Crataegus fecunda Sarg. is well-drained soil rich in organic matter. However, the plant can grow in a range of soil types, including loam, sandy, and clay soils. The pH requirements are moderately acidic to neutral. It can tolerate drought and rocky soils as well. Ensure that the soil is not too wet nor too dry especially during the growing stages of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus fecunda Sarg. is best grown in well-draining soils with good air circulation. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is recommended to plant the seeds or saplings in spring and fall.
The ground should be prepared by removing any weeds and debris. The hole for planting should be wider than the root ball to allow for proper root growth. After planting, water the plant thoroughly and cover the soil with mulch.
Watering Needs
Crataegus fecunda Sarg. requires moderate watering, and its water needs may vary depending on the soil conditions and climate. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week rather than watering shallowly frequently.
During hot and dry weather, it may be necessary to increase the frequency of watering. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant as this can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Crataegus fecunda Sarg. benefits from regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, can be applied in the early spring and late summer.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when fertilizing and avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of Crataegus fecunda Sarg. care and helps to encourage healthy growth and remove any damaged or diseased branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
When pruning, it is important to use clean and sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant. It is recommended to remove any weak or crossing branches and thin out the center of the plant to allow for better air circulation.
Regular pruning can also help maintain the plant's shape and control its size.
Propagation of Crataegus fecunda Sarg.
Crataegus fecunda Sarg., commonly known as the Washington hawthorn, can be propagated by two methods: seed and vegetative propagation. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages and are used by growers and gardeners depending on their needs.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the most common method of propagating Crataegus fecunda Sarg. It is relatively easy and inexpensive, but it takes longer for the plants to grow to maturity. Seeds can be sown directly in the field or in containers in a greenhouse. The ideal time to sow the seeds is in the fall after they have ripened. The seeds require cold stratification at a temperature of 4°C to 5°C for 90 to 120 days to break dormancy. Germination occurs in the spring when the temperature rises.
Once the seedlings have emerged, they need to be nurtured under the right conditions. They need well-drained soil, full sun, and regular watering. The seedlings can be transplanted into the field or larger containers after they have reached a height of 5 to 7 cm, and their stems have become woody.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is a faster method of propagation and produces clones of the parent plant. There are several methods of vegetative propagation, including rooting cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Rooting cuttings is the most common method of vegetative propagation. The cuttings are taken from the parent plant in the fall and stored in a cool, moist place during the winter. In the spring, the cuttings are planted in sandy soil and kept in a greenhouse. The ideal temperature for rooting is between 20°C to 25°C. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be planted in a field or larger containers.
Layering is another method of vegetative propagation, where a branch of the parent plant is bent to the ground, and a portion of it is buried in the soil. The buried portion of the branch will develop roots, which can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.
Grafting is a specialized method of vegetative propagation, where the scion from the parent plant is grafted onto the rootstock of another plant. Grafting is used to combine the favorable characteristics of two or more plants and produce a hybrid plant that is resistant to diseases and pests.
Overall, both propagation methods have their advantages and disadvantages, but the choice of method depends on the grower's needs. Seed propagation is easy and inexpensive, while vegetative propagation is faster and produces clones of the parent plant.
Disease Management
Crataegus fecunda Sarg. is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases that can affect its growth and production. The most common diseases include fire blight, cedar apple rust, and apple scab. The following management practices can help control and prevent these diseases:
- Pruning infected branches and disposing of them properly
- Using disease-resistant cultivars when planting new trees
- Applying copper-based fungicides during the dormant season
- Practicing good sanitation in the orchard
It is important to inspect the trees regularly to identify any signs of disease and initiate appropriate management practices immediately.
Pest Management
Crataegus fecunda Sarg. is also vulnerable to several insect pests that can cause significant damage to its leaves, flowers, and fruit. The most common pests include:
- Apple maggot
- Codling moth
- Plum curculio
- Eastern tent caterpillar
To manage these pests, the following practices are recommended:
- Applying insecticides at the right time using the appropriate equipment
- Installing pheromone traps to monitor pest populations
- Pruning the trees to remove egg-laying sites and hiding places for pests
- Using physical barriers, such as netting, to prevent pests from reaching the fruit
It is important to monitor the trees regularly and use integrated pest management practices to reduce the damage caused by these pests.
