Description of Crataegus formosa Sarg.
Crataegus formosa Sarg. is a plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family and is commonly known as the parsley-leaved hawthorn. Native to North America, this plant is widespread in the central and eastern regions of the United States and can also be found in eastern Canada. The species name "formosa" means beautiful, and it refers to the plant's attractive and showy flowers.
General Appearance
The parsley-leaved hawthorn grows as a deciduous shrub or a small tree, typically reaching a height of 15 to 30 feet. The plant has a compact, rounded shape with multiple stems. Its leaves are 1 to 3 inches long, parsley-like, and shiny, with deep lobes and serrated margins. The leaves are green during the growing season, but in the fall, they turn yellow, orange, or red, adding beautiful autumn color to the landscape. The flowers are white and showy, with a diameter of about 1 inch. The fruit is a red pome, about 1/2 inch in diameter, with a fleshy texture and a sour taste.
Common Names
Crataegus formosa Sarg. is commonly known by several common names including parsley-leaved hawthorn, Parsleyleaved Hawthorn, cockspur Thorn, and whitethorn.
Uses
The parsley-leaved hawthorn has both medicinal and ornamental uses. Native Americans used the fruit and bark of the plant to make tea for treating diarrhea, intestinal problems, and as a heart tonic. The bark was also used in treating heart disease and high blood pressure. The plant is also popularly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. Its attractive shape, showy flowers, and fall foliage is a great addition to any landscape design. Additionally, the plant provides excellent shelter and food for wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and other small mammals.
Light Requirements
Crataegus formosa Sarg., commonly known as the Washington hawthorn, requires full sun or partial shade to grow properly. The plant can tolerate shade, but it may produce fewer flowers and fruits if it doesn't receive sufficient sunlight. In areas with hot summers, afternoon shade may be necessary to prevent leaf scorch and dehydration.
Temperature Requirements
The Washington hawthorn is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of temperatures. It is native to North America and can withstand temperatures as low as -25°F (-32°C) and as high as 100°F (38°C). However, the optimal temperature for its growth is between 60°F (15°C) to 80°F (27°C). The plant doesn't do well in areas with high humidity, as it can be susceptible to fungal diseases.
Soil Requirements
The Washington hawthorn prefers well-drained soils that are fertile and slightly acidic or neutral. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, including clay, sandy, or loamy soils, as long as they are not waterlogged or too dry. However, to ensure the best growth, the soil should be amended with organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, and kept moist but not waterlogged. The plant is tolerant of urban pollution and can be grown in commercial landscapes and along roadsides.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus formosa Sarg., commonly known as the Western Washington hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is best grown in USDA zones 5-9. It is relatively easy to cultivate and prefers well-draining sandy or clay soil that is moist and acidic. The plant needs a spot that receives full sun to part shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting in the fall or springtime is recommended, and it is best to space each tree at least 6 feet apart.
Watering Needs
Newly planted Western Washington hawthorns require frequent watering. During the first year after planting, water the trees once or twice a week. After the first year, the hawthorns may be self-sufficient and require little watering except during prolonged dry spells or drought conditions. When watering, avoid wetting the leaves, and direct the water to the soil around the tree's base, where the roots absorb the moisture.
Fertilization
Crataegus formosa Sarg. does not require heavy fertilizer applications. However, a light yearly application of organic fertilizer in the fall or early spring can help sustain the tree's health. Compost or well-rotted manure applied to the base of the tree can provide much-needed nutrients. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth, resulting in weak branches and susceptibility to diseases or pests.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and health of the Western Washington hawthorn. The best time to prune is late winter to early spring when the plant is dormant. Remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against one another. Avoid pruning the tips of branches, as this can result in abnormal growth patterns or weak branches. The goal of pruning is to promote good airflow, sunlight penetration, and overall health and appearance of the tree.
Propagation of Crataegus formosa Sarg.
Crataegus formosa Sarg., commonly known as the Washington hawthorn, is a small, deciduous tree or shrub native to North America. It is easy to propagate through several methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Crataegus formosa Sarg. through seed is relatively simple. The seeds are best collected during the fall season. The seeds should be kept in a moist environment and stratified at a temperature between 33-41°F for about 90-120 days. After stratification, the seeds should be sown in a nutrient-rich soil mix and kept in a warm place. The germination process takes approximately 30 days.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Crataegus formosa Sarg. through cuttings is an easy and efficient method for creating new plants. The cuttings should be taken during the summer season when the tree is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 6 inches in length and should be taken from the current year's growth. After the cuttings are taken, remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormones and plant them in a nutrient-rich soil mix. Keep the cuttings moist, and in a shaded area. In about two months, roots should have formed, and the new plant can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Grafting
Grafting is another method used to propagate Crataegus formosa Sarg. It is the most reliable method of propagation and ensures that the plant's desirable characteristics are preserved. This method involves selecting a rootstock, which should be a different species of hawthorn that shares the same growth habits as Crataegus formosa Sarg. A scion, which is a cutting from the desired plant, is attached to the rootstock. The most common grafting method used in hawthorns is whip grafting. After grafting, the newly formed plant is kept in a warm location, free from wind and kept well watered.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus formosa Sarg.
Crataegus formosa Sarg. is a species of hawthorn tree that is relatively hardy and resistant to most diseases and pests. However, there are still a few common issues that gardeners and botanists should be aware of and take precautions against. Here are the most common diseases and pests that affect Crataegus formosa Sarg. and ways to manage them:
Diseases:
Fire blight: This disease is caused by a bacterium called Erwinia amylovora and can affect a variety of plants, including Crataegus formosa Sarg. Fire blight typically appears as brown or blackened leaves, twigs, and branches. To manage fire blight, the affected portions of the tree should be pruned as soon as possible. The pruning should be done during dry weather and the cuttings should be disposed of immediately to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
Cedar rust: This disease is caused by a fungus that requires two hosts to complete its life cycle. Junipers and other members of the cedar family are the alternate hosts for the fungus. Cedar rust appears as brown spots on the leaves of Crataegus formosa Sarg. As with fire blight, the best management technique is to prune the affected portions of the tree as soon as possible. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests:
Hawthorn lace bug: This pest can cause severe leaf damage to Crataegus formosa Sarg. by sucking the sap from the undersides of the leaves. Infested leaves will appear yellow or brown and may drop prematurely. To manage hawthorn lace bugs, pruning infested branches and leaves is recommended. Insecticides can also be used, but should be used with caution and according to the product's instructions.
Hawthorn leaf beetle: This pest eats the leaves of Crataegus formosa Sarg. and can cause severe defoliation. The larvae of the hawthorn leaf beetle also feed on the roots of the tree. To manage hawthorn leaf beetles, handpicking and pruning infested portions of the tree is recommended. Insecticides can also be used, but should be used with caution and according to the product's instructions.
Regular monitoring of Crataegus formosa Sarg. for signs of disease or pest damage can help prevent severe infestations and outbreaks. Preventive measures such as proper plant spacing, good soil drainage, and regular fertilization can also help keep the tree healthy and resistant to disease and pests.
