Crataegus Furtiva Beadle - Albany Hawthorn

Overview of Crataegus furtiva Beadle

Crataegus furtiva Beadle, commonly known as the Hidden Hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This unique plant is native to eastern North America and is a valuable addition to any landscape given its hardiness, seasonal interest, and numerous benefits.

General Appearance

The Hidden Hawthorn tree is a small to medium-sized, upright growing species. It generally reaches heights between 10 to 15 feet and spreads about 10 feet wide. This tree has an oval to rounded shape, with glossy green leaves that turn a bronze-red color during the fall. The branches of the tree are thorny and bear white, fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. These eye-catching flowers give way to red haws, which serve as winter food for birds and other wildlife.

Other Common Names

The Hidden Hawthorn tree is commonly known as Beadle's Hawthorn, Furtive Hawthorn, and Trap Bush.

Uses and Benefits

The Hidden Hawthorn tree is primarily used for ornamental and ecological purposes. Its dense branching habit makes it a perfect specimen for hedgerows, screens, and erosion control. Additionally, its small stature and attractive foliage make it a remarkable choice for small gardens, entryways, and parks. The tree is quite hardy and can tolerate poor soils, heat, drought, and pollution, making it a low maintenance option for urban areas. It also serves as a food source and nesting habitat for various wildlife species.

Besides, the Hidden Hawthorn tree has several medicinal properties that have been used for centuries to treat various ailments. The hawthorn fruit, leaves, and flowers are rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, which help to improve heart health, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. Hawthorn is also known to have calming effects and can aid in easing anxiety and promoting better sleep.

In conclusion, Crataegus furtiva Beadle, with its unique appearance and numerous benefits, makes a valuable addition to any landscape.

Light Requirements

Crataegus furtiva Beadle requires full sunlight to thrive. The plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient sunlight can cause slow growth, low production of flowers and fruits, and weak stems.

Temperature Requirements

The plant grows well in moderate temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Crataegus furtiva Beadle is between 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F) during the day and 10 to 15°C (50 to 59°F) during the night. Temperatures above 30°C (86°F) or below -15°C (5°F) can be harmful to the plant and affect its growth.

Soil Requirements

Crataegus furtiva Beadle thrives in well-draining soils. The soil should be moist, fertile, and rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be between 6 and 7.5. The plant prefers sandy loam, silt loam, and clay loam soils. Avoid planting the shrub in heavy clay soils with poor drainage.

Cultivation of Crataegus furtiva Beadle

Crataegus furtiva Beadle, commonly known as the Furtive Hawthorn plant, is a small tree that belongs to the rose family. The plant is suitable for growing in warm-temperate zones, and it is native to the United States of America. The Furtive Hawthorn plant thrives in well-drained soils with full sun exposure.

Watering Needs of Crataegus furtiva Beadle

The Furtive Hawthorn plant requires regular watering during dry spells. It is essential to water the plant deeply, allowing the water to penetrate into the soil. The soil around the plant should always be moist but not waterlogged. During the summer, the plant may require additional watering to prevent the leaves from wilting.

Fertilization of Crataegus furtiva Beadle

The Furtive Hawthorn plant thrives in rich soils that are high in organic matter. It is necessary to fertilize the plant annually to provide essential nutrients. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, is suitable for the Furtive Hawthorn plant. Apply the fertilizer in early spring before the plant begins to grow.

Pruning of Crataegus furtiva Beadle

Pruning helps to maintain the shape and size of the Furtive Hawthorn plant. It is essential to prune the plant during the dormant season to avoid damaging the new growth. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Prune the plant to remove any crossing branches or to thin out the canopy to allow more light to penetrate through the tree.

Propagation of Crataegus furtiva Beadle

Crataegus furtiva Beadle, also known as the hidden hawthorn, is a small tree or shrub that is native to the southeastern part of the United States. It produces beautiful white flowers in the spring, followed by reddish berry-like fruits in the fall. If you would like to propagate this plant, there are a few methods that you can use.

Seed propagation

One way to propagate Crataegus furtiva Beadle is by using seeds. Collect the fruits when they are fully ripe, and remove the seeds from the flesh. Dry the seeds in a cool and dry place for a few days, and then store them in a sealed container in a refrigerator until you are ready to plant them.

In the spring, plant the seeds in a well-drained soil mix, about 0.5 inches deep. Water the soil gently but thoroughly, and keep it moist until the seeds germinate, which may take up to four weeks. Once the young seedlings have developed two or three leaves, you can transplant them to individual pots or a permanent location outdoors.

Cuttings propagation

Another method of propagation is by using cuttings. Take semi-hardwood cuttings of about 4-6 inches long from healthy plants in the summer or early fall. Remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in a moist rooting medium made of equal parts peat moss and perlite or sand.

Place the cuttings in a warm and bright location, but out of direct sunlight. Cover them with a plastic bag or dome to maintain humidity, and mist them regularly. After a few weeks, you should see new growth emerging from the cuttings, indicating successful root formation. You can then transplant the new plants to their permanent location.

Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus furtiva Beadle Plant

Crataegus furtiva Beadle plant, commonly known as Shawnee hawthorn, is generally pest and disease resistant. However, some insects and diseases might still infect this plant, especially if grown in unfavorable conditions. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:

Diseases:

Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and fire blight, can affect the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage these diseases:

1. Remove and destroy infected plant parts immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
2. Avoid overhead watering and keep the foliage dry to reduce humidity and fungal growth.
3. Prune the plant regularly to improve air circulation and light penetration.
4. Apply fungicides labeled for hawthorn plants as a preventative measure or as soon as the disease appears.

Bacterial diseases: Bacterial diseases, such as fire blight and crown gall, can cause wilting, dieback, and decline of the plant. To manage these diseases:

1. Remove and destroy infected plant parts immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
2. Prune diseased plant parts 6 inches below the visible damage and sanitize the pruning tools between cuts to avoid spreading the bacteria.
3. Avoid overhead watering and keep the foliage dry to reduce humidity and bacterial growth.
4. Apply bactericides labeled for hawthorn plants as a preventative measure or as soon as the disease appears.

Pests:

Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems, causing distortion, stunting, and yellowing of the foliage. To manage these pests:

1. Use a strong stream of water to dislodge the aphids from the plant's leaves and stems.
2. Release ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps to feed on the aphids.
3. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the affected plant parts, following the product label instructions.

Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap and leave small yellow or gray spots on the leaves. Severe infestations can cause defoliation and plant death. To manage these pests:

1. Keep the plant well-watered and avoid drought stress, which can make it more vulnerable to spider mites.
2. Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock off the spider mites and their webs.
3. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the affected plant parts, following the product label instructions.

Scale insects: Scale insects are small, hard-shelled pests that attach themselves to the plant's stems and leaves, sucking the sap and causing yellowing, stunting, and leaf drop. To manage these pests:

1. Remove and destroy heavily infested plant parts, including leaves and stems.
2. Scrape off the adult scales with a fingernail or toothbrush, or gently rub them with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab.
3. Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to the remaining scales, following the product label instructions.

By following these disease and pest management practices, you can keep your Crataegus furtiva Beadle plant healthy and beautiful for years to come.