Overview of Crataegus florifera Sarg. var. mortonis (Laughlin) Kruschke
Crataegus florifera Sarg. var. mortonis (Laughlin) Kruschke, more commonly known as the Morton's hawthorn, is a deciduous flowering tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to central Texas, specifically in Austin and surrounding areas. The tree is named after the Morton family, who were avid botanists and horticulturists in the late 19th century and early 20th century.
General Appearance
Morton's hawthorn typically grows to a height of 20-30 feet and spreads to a width of 15-20 feet. It has a dense, compact growth habit, with a rounded crown and thorny branches. The tree's leaves are 2-4 inches long, shiny, and dark green, with finely serrated edges. In spring, the tree produces clusters of fragrant white flowers that are 1 inch in diameter and have five petals. The flowers are followed by small, red to orange fruits that persist through the winter.
Uses
Morton's hawthorn is commonly used as an ornamental tree in landscaping due to its attractive flowers and fruits, as well as its compact growth habit. The tree is also valued for its hardiness and drought tolerance, making it a suitable choice for hot and dry regions. The fruits of the tree are edible but are often considered too sour to eat raw. However, they can be used to make jams, jellies, or syrups.
Additionally, some studies have suggested that hawthorn berries, in general, may have cardiovascular benefits as they contain antioxidants and flavonoids. However, more research is needed to confirm this potential health benefit.
Light Requirements
Crataegus florifera Sarg. var. mortonis (Laughlin) Kruschke typically grows best in full sun exposure. The plant requires direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day for proper growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8. The optimal temperature range for growth varies between 10 to 30 °C. Temperatures outside of these ranges may limit the plant's growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus florifera Sarg. var. mortonis (Laughlin) Kruschke is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions but prefers well-drained loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.0. The plant also tolerates moderate salinity levels in the soil. It is important to avoid waterlogging and soil compaction, which could negatively impact plant growth.
Cultivation methods for Crataegus florifera Sarg. var. mortonis (Laughlin) Kruschke
Crataegus florifera Sarg. var. mortonis (Laughlin) Kruschke, commonly known as the Mortons hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It is native to the southeastern United States and is usually found in rocky areas or on slopes.
The best location for planting Crataegus florifera is in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate some shade, especially in the afternoon. It is recommended to plant the tree in mid-spring or fall when the soil is warm, and the roots can have time to establish before winter.
Watering needs for Crataegus florifera Sarg. var. mortonis (Laughlin) Kruschke
Crataegus florifera Sarg. var. mortonis (Laughlin) Kruschke requires moderate watering during its growing season, which is from spring to fall. The soil should be kept evenly moist, not waterlogged. Be careful not to overwater the tree, as it can lead to fungal diseases.
During the winter months, the tree requires less watering, but it is essential to ensure that the soil does not dry out completely. Use a moisture meter to check the soil moisture level, and water accordingly.
Fertilization for Crataegus florifera Sarg. var. mortonis (Laughlin) Kruschke
During the growing season, it is recommended to fertilize Crataegus florifera Sarg. var. mortonis (Laughlin) Kruschke every four to six weeks. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the appropriate dosage.
It is not necessary to fertilize the tree during the winter months as it is dormant, and the nutrients from the previous fertilization would be sufficient.
Pruning for Crataegus florifera Sarg. var. mortonis (Laughlin) Kruschke
Pruning is necessary for Crataegus florifera Sarg. var. mortonis (Laughlin) Kruschke to promote healthy growth and shape the tree. The best time to prune the tree is during its dormant season, which is from late fall to early spring.
Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches first. Then, prune any crossing or rubbing branches and those that interfere with the tree's structure or growth. Always use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
It is not recommended to prune more than one-third of the tree's canopy at one time, as it can stress the tree and affect its growth.
Propagation of Crataegus florifera Sarg. var. mortonis (Laughlin) Kruschke
Crataegus florifera Sarg. var. mortonis, commonly known as the black hawthorn, can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The propagation of C. florifera Sarg. var. mortonis through seeds is relatively easy. The seeds are sown in well-draining soil in the fall or early spring. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds can be placed in a cold frame or outdoors in a sheltered location. The seeds usually take about two to three months to germinate. Once the seedlings have grown large enough, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground.
Softwood Cutting Propagation
Another propagation method used for C. florifera Sarg. var. mortonis is softwood cutting. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth, and the leaves on the bottom half should be removed. The cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in sandy soil or a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, shaded area until they develop roots.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method of propagating C. florifera Sarg. var. mortonis, especially for older trees. This method involves selecting a healthy branch and making a cut on the bark. The cut should not go all the way through the branch, but just deep enough to expose the cambium layer. The cut section is then covered with soil or sphagnum moss, which is kept moist. The branch will develop roots in the covered area, and once the roots are established, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into a container or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Crataegus florifera Sarg. var. mortonis is relatively resistant to diseases, but two common diseases that could affect the plant are:
- Fire blight: This bacterial disease causes wilting and blackening of blossoms, leaves, and twigs. Remove infected parts as soon as possible and disinfect your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol or bleach solution before and after pruning.
- Cedar rust: This fungal disease causes yellow spots on leaves and fruit, and brown galls on twigs. Remove infected parts and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease. Avoid planting Crataegus near juniper or cedar trees, as these are alternate hosts of the rust.
Preventing diseases is the best strategy for disease management. Here are some tips:
- Choose healthy and disease-resistant plants from reputable sources.
- Avoid excess fertilizer and overhead watering, as these can promote fungal and bacterial growth.
- Prune your plant regularly to promote good air circulation and sunlight penetration.
- Sanitize your pruning tools, gloves, and boots to prevent the spread of diseases.
Pest Management
Crataegus florifera Sarg. var. mortonis is also relatively resistant to pests, but two common pests that might affect the plant are:
- Hawthorn lace bug: This insect feeds on the undersides of leaves, causing yellow spots and a whitish cast. Prune affected leaves and dispose of them. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to spray the remaining foliage.
- Apple maggot: This fly lays eggs in the fruit, causing brown tracks inside and premature dropping. Cover the fruit with fine-mesh bags or tulle before the fly emerges in early summer. Use sticky traps or bait sprays to reduce the population of adult flies.
Preventing pests is also a good strategy for pest management. Here are some tips:
- Clean up leaf litter, fallen fruit, and other debris around the plant, as these can harbor pests and diseases.
- Use physical barriers, such as fine-mesh netting or sticky bands, to exclude or trap pests.
- Encourage natural enemies, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and birds, by providing habitat and avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides.
- Maintain a healthy and vigorous plant by providing adequate water, nutrients, and sunlight.
