Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. chippewaensis (Sarg.) Kruschke: Overview
Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. chippewaensis (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as Chippewa hawthorn or Chippewa thorn, is a small deciduous tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is native to North America, specifically found in the northern Great Plains region from Manitoba to Montana. It is a variant of Crataegus fulleriana, known for its thorny branches, and has an inherently ornamental value.
Appearance
Chippewa hawthorn trees are slow-growing and can reach up to a height of 20 feet. The trees have a spreading growth habit with an oval to rounded crown. Its bark is gray-brown, and the branches have numerous sharp thorns, making them highly suited for boundary plantings. The leaves are deciduous, simple, glossy, and dark green, with a toothed margin, and turn shades of bronze, orange, and red in fall. The flowers are white, clustered in groups of 5 to 20, and bloom in early to mid-spring. Its fruit is a small, red, and fleshy pome that resembles a miniature apple in shape.
Uses
Chippewa hawthorn has several ornamental uses because of its striking features. Its dense branched structure makes it a good choice for hedges, screening, and barrier plantings. The tree's fruit also provides a significant food source for birds and other small wildlife. It also has medicinal properties, with its bark, leaves, and flowers being used in traditional medicine to help in heart disease management. Its fruit is high in vitamin C, fiber, and pectin, which makes it useful in making jams, jellies, and other culinary uses.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. chippewaensis (Sarg.) Kruschke plant enjoys full sunlight exposure and can tolerate partial shade. The plant requires at least six hours of sunlight exposure daily to thrive. Insufficient sun exposure may result in weak stems, stunted growth, and poor health.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. chippewaensis (Sarg.) Kruschke plant is between 60°F to 75°F (15.5°C to 24°C). The plant can withstand colder temperatures of up to -20°F (-28.9°C) but may die when exposed to prolonged hot temperatures of over 95°F (35°C). The plant is hardy up to USDA plant hardiness zone 3 to 7.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. chippewaensis (Sarg.) Kruschke plant thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant is adapted to loamy, sandy, or clay soil but grows optimally in loamy soil. The addition of organic matter to the soil enhances the soil structure and nutrient content, thus improving plant growth. The soil should also be moist but not waterlogged, as excess soil moisture may result in root rots and decreased growth rate.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. chippewaensis (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as Chippewa hawthorn, can grow up to 20 feet tall and wide. It requires a well-drained soil, preferably loamy soil, but can also grow in clay soil. This plant species can tolerate full sun to partial shade, but it thrives better in full sun conditions. It is also best to plant the Chippewa hawthorn in a location that is protected from strong winds to prevent damage to the plant's branches and leaves.
Watering Needs
Watering is essential during the initial years of planting the Chippewa hawthorn to promote root growth and establishment. It is advisable to water the plant regularly, two to three times a week, during dry periods. Once the plant is established, it can tolerate drought conditions. Nonetheless, it is still best to provide the plant with adequate moisture to ensure a healthy growth and bountiful harvest. Daily watering is not necessary, but the plant requires adequate moisture to thrive and produce more fruit.
Fertilization
Caring for the Chippewa hawthorn requires regular fertilization. It is advisable to fertilize the soil during the early spring period to support new growth and later during the mid-summer months to stimulate the production of fruit. The plant accepts both organic and inorganic fertilizers. However, it is best to use a slow-release fertilizer that contains micronutrients. When applying the fertilizer, read the label carefully and follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid over-fertilization, which can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning of hawthorn plants is best done during the dormant season to promote healthy growth and increase the production of blossoms and fruit. The Chippewa hawthorn needs light pruning regularly to maintain its shape and promote good air circulation. It is also crucial to remove damaged, diseased, and broken branches to prevent pests and diseases from infecting the entire plant. Always use sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant, and do not over-prune, as this can cause injury to the plant and lead to fewer fruits.
Propagation of Crataegus Fulleriana Sarg. var. Chippewaensis (Sarg.) Kruschke
Propagation of Crataegus Fulleriana Sarg. var. Chippewaensis (Sarg.) Kruschke can be done through a few different methods. These include seed propagation, softwood cutting propagation, and hardwood cutting propagation.
Seed propagation
Propagation of Crataegus Fulleriana Sarg. var. Chippewaensis (Sarg.) Kruschke through seed propagation is possible, but it can be challenging. The seeds of this plant require a period of cold stratification, which means they must be exposed to cold, damp conditions for a period of time before they will germinate. This can be done by planting the seeds in a potting mix, placing the pot in a plastic bag, and refrigerating it for several weeks to a few months. After that, the pot can be moved to a warmer location for germination. It can take 1-2 years for the seedlings to become established enough for planting outdoors.
Softwood cutting propagation
Propagation of Crataegus Fulleriana Sarg. var. Chippewaensis (Sarg.) Kruschke through softwood cutting propagation involves taking cuttings of new growth in the late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should include a portion of the current year's growth. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should be placed in a rooting hormone before being planted in potting soil. The pot should then be placed in a warm, bright location and kept moist until roots form. After roots have formed, the new plant can be transplanted outdoors.
Hardwood cutting propagation
Propagation of Crataegus Fulleriana Sarg. var. Chippewaensis (Sarg.) Kruschke through hardwood cutting propagation involves taking cuttings from established plants in the late fall or early winter. Cuttings should be taken from branches that are at least one year old and should be about 12 inches long. The cuttings should be placed in a rooting hormone before being planted in potting soil. The pot should then be placed in a cool, dark location and kept moist until roots form. After roots have formed, the new plant can be transplanted outdoors.
Disease management
Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. chippewaensis (Sarg.) Kruschke is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and health. Here are some of the most common diseases that one might encounter when growing this plant:
Cedar-quince rust
This disease is caused by a fungus called Gymnosporangium clavipes. The symptoms of the disease include yellow spots on the leaves, followed by the formation of small, orange-colored galls on the stems. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove any affected plant parts and to apply fungicides during the spring before the flowering season starts.
Fire blight
This is a bacterial disease that affects the leaves, flowers, and stems of the plant. The symptoms of the disease include wilting of the flowers and blackening of the stems. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove any affected plant parts and to apply copper-based fungicides during the fall or winter to control the spread of the bacteria.
Pest management
Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. chippewaensis (Sarg.) Kruschke is also susceptible to a few pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some of the most common pests that one might encounter when growing this plant:
Apple maggot
This pest is a type of fly that lays its eggs on the fruit of the plant. The larvae then burrow into the fruit, causing damage. To manage this pest, it is recommended to use insecticides, to remove any affected fruit from the plant and to dispose of them properly.
Tent caterpillars
These caterpillars create nests in the branches of the plant and feed on the leaves, causing defoliation. To manage this pest, it is recommended to remove any affected nests from the plant and to use insecticides when necessary.
Japanese beetle
This pest feeds on the leaves and flowers of the plant and can cause significant damage. To manage this pest, it is recommended to use insecticides, to handpick the beetles when possible and to remove any affected plant parts from the plant.
