Overview
Crataegus fluviatilis Sarg. is a species of hawthorn plant that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is native to North America, specifically in parts of eastern United States and southern Canada. The plant is commonly known as the river hawthorn or the rocks hawthorn due to its preferred growing location along streams and rocky slopes.
Appearance
The river hawthorn is a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 10 meters tall. The plant has a thorny and dense branching structure with a round crown. Its leaves are 2-3 inches long, alternate, simple, and have a serrated margin. The plant commonly produces white or pink flowers in late spring, and in late summer or early fall, it produces red or blackish berries that are about 1/3 inch in diameter.
Uses
The river hawthorn has been traditionally used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. The leaves and flowers are believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative properties. The berries are a good source of vitamin C and are used to make jams, jellies, and pies. The plant is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
Light Requirements
Crataegus fluviatilis Sarg. thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow and develop properly.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus fluviatilis Sarg. prefers cool to temperate climates. It grows well in areas with an average temperature range of 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It can also tolerate brief periods of frost and snow during winter, but it cannot survive long periods of extreme cold.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus fluviatilis Sarg. prefers soils that are moist, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. It can tolerate both acidic and slightly alkaline soils, but it grows best in neutral to slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It is also tolerant of soils with high levels of salts, but it cannot grow in soils that are waterlogged or poorly drained.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus fluviatilis Sarg. is a hardy shrub that is native to the United States. It is commonly found in fields, meadows, and along riverbanks. As a garden plant, it thrives in most soil types and growing conditions.
The plant grows best in a spot that gets partial to full sun but can also tolerate shade. The soil should be moist, well-draining, and slightly acidic. The ideal pH range is between 5.5 and 6.5.
Plant the shrub in the spring or fall when the soil is cool and moist. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough so that the top of the ball is level with the ground. Firm the soil around the plant and water well.
Watering Needs
Crataegus fluviatilis Sarg. needs regular watering during the growing season, especially in hot and dry weather. Water at least once a week and more often during extended dry spells. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger in the ground. If the soil is dry to a depth of an inch, it's time to water.
Be careful not to overwater the plant. The soil should be moist but not excessively wet. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
Fertilization
Fertilize Crataegus fluviatilis Sarg. once a year in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Use a fertilizer that has a ratio of 10-10-10, or something similar. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.
Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant and then water thoroughly. Avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves or stems, as it can cause burn damage.
Pruning
Prune Crataegus fluviatilis Sarg. during the dormant season in late winter or early spring. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. Cut back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
To promote healthy growth and maintain the plant's shape, you can also prune to thin out the branches. Cut back no more than one-third of the shrub's height in any given year.
Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts, and make angled cuts to prevent water from pooling on the wounds.
Propagation of Crataegus fluviatilis Sarg.
Crataegus fluviatilis Sarg., also known as river hawthorn or August hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub with small, thorny branches that produces red berries. The plant is native to North America and is typically found in moist soils along riverbanks and in valleys.
Propagation Methods
C. fluviatilis can be propagated by both seed and vegetative cuttings. However, seed propagation is the most common and efficient method.
Seed Propagation: The seeds of C. fluviatilis should be collected in the fall when the fruit is ripe. Clean off the pulp by soaking the seeds in water overnight, then rinse and dry. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until the spring. In the early spring, plant the seeds in well-drained soil in a location with full sun to partial shade. The seedlings should emerge in 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation: C. fluviatilis can also be propagated by vegetative cuttings taken in the late winter or early spring. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, juvenile growth, and should be 6-8 inches in length. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-drained soil mixture. They should be kept moist and in a shaded area until they begin to produce roots and new foliage.
Once the new plants are established, they can be transplanted to their permanent locations in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus fluviatilis Sarg.
Crataegus fluviatilis Sarg., commonly known as the river hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree or shrub that is native to North America. Like all plants, it is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests. Here are some of the common issues that you might encounter when growing Crataegus fluviatilis Sarg., as well as some suggestions for how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spots: Crataegus fluviatilis Sarg. is prone to several fungal leaf spot diseases, including Entomosporium leaf spot and Septoria leaf spot. These diseases can cause leaf discoloration, defoliation, and reduced plant vigor. Using fungicides can be an effective management option. However, improving plant health through proper cultural practices such as adequate watering, pruning, and fertilization can help prevent these diseases from occurring.
Cedar-Apple Rust: This fungal disease causes orange, gelatinous spore horns to form on the undersides of leaves or on fruit. The disease's alternate host is Eastern red cedar, so removing any infected red cedars nearby will significantly reduce the potential for an outbreak. Fungicides can help manage cedar-apple rust, but regular application is necessary. Cultural practices like pruning out infected and dead plant parts can help prevent the disease from spreading.
Fire Blight: This bacterial disease causes wilting, dieback, and cankers on the wood, bark, and fruit of the plant. Pruning out infected branches during the dormant season can help control fire blight. Additionally, promoting good air circulation through pruning and avoiding the application of excessive nitrogen fertilizer can help prevent the disease from spreading.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from plant tissue, causing leaf curling and leaf drop. Regular applications of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can help manage aphids. Encouraging populations of natural predators, like ladybugs, can also help control aphids.
Spider Mites: These tiny arachnids suck sap from plant tissue, resulting in discoloration and defoliation. Regular applications of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can help manage spider mites. Increasing humidity levels through misting can also help reduce mite populations.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, immobile insects that suck sap from the plant. They can cause leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and plant death. Cutting out scale-infested plant parts and discarding them in the trash is an effective management approach. Other options include applying horticultural oil or introducing natural predators like parasitic wasps.
Following a regular maintenance schedule and implementing cultural practices can help prevent and control the severity of common diseases and pests that affect Crataegus fluviatilis Sarg. Lastly, monitoring the plant regularly and taking prompt action when there are signs of illness or infestation is essential to a plant's overall health.
