Overview:
Crataegus gattingeri Ashe var. rigida Palmer is a shrub that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is commonly known as the Appalachian hawthorn or Gattinger's hawthorn, and is indigenous to the eastern United States.
Description:
The Appalachian hawthorn is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The leaves are alternate, lobed, and have serrated margins. The flowers are white or pink and appear in the spring. The fruits are red or black, berry-like, and have a diameter of approximately 1 cm.
Uses:
Crataegus gattingeri Ashe var. rigida Palmer has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, and has been used to treat heart-related ailments, digestive problems, and infections. The fruit can also be used to make jams, jellies, and wine. Additionally, it is planted as an ornamental shrub.
Appearance:
The Appalachian hawthorn has an attractive appearance with its showy flowers and colorful fruits. The bark is gray and smooth, while the branches are thorny. The leaves are green, with a glossy surface, and turn yellow in the fall. The fruits are round and glossy, and often persist on the plant well into the winter months.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus gattingeri Ash var. rigida Palmer, commonly called the stiff hawthorn, requires full sunlight exposure to produce abundant flowers and fruits. It thrives in areas with bright, direct sunlight and a minimum of six hours of light daily. The plant exhibits poor growth in shaded areas, and the leaves may become pale or yellowish.
Temperature Requirements
The stiff hawthorn can endure a wide range of temperatures, from hot, dry summers to cold, freezing winters. It can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8, with the ideal temperature range between 50 to 85°F (10 to 30°C). Extreme temperatures below -20°F (-29°C) or above 100°F (38°C) can harm the plant and its growth.
Soil Requirements
C. gattingeri Ash var. rigida Palmer grows well in various soils, but it prefers moist, well-draining, fertile soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Planting in heavy clay, waterlogged soils, or over-limed soil should be avoided as it may hamper the plant's growth. Incorporating organic matter like compost or peat moss enhances soil fertility and improves water retention in the soil, which helps the plant grow better.
Cultivation
Crataegus gattingeri Ashe var. rigida Palmer prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. The plant needs full sun or partial shade to grow well and thrive.
For cultivation, the gardener can propagate through layering or from seed. Seeds should be planted in early spring into a seedbed outdoors. Seedlings can be transferred to pots and then transplanted to the garden when they are large enough.
Watering Needs
Crataegus gattingeri Ashe var. rigida Palmer requires regular watering during the growing period. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged as this can cause root rot. The plant will need enough water during hot and dry periods to ensure optimum growth and health.
Fertilization
Careful fertilization can enhance the growth and flowering of Crataegus gattingeri Ashe var. rigida Palmer. Fertilize the plant twice yearly with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring and late summer.
The plant can also be fed with organic matter such as compost during the growing season. Too much fertilizer can cause excessive foliage growth with fewer flowers.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the plant's shape, control diseases and pests, and encourage more flowering.
Cut dead, damaged, and weak branches in early spring before the new growth appears. This will help to focus the plant's energy on new growth and flowering.
Prune the shrub to a desirable size or form by removing the unwanted parts or trimming as needed. However, avoid over-pruning as it can reduce flowering, disfigure the plant, and lead to adverse health effects.
Propagation Methods for Crataegus gattingeri Ashe var. rigida Palmer
Propagation is an essential aspect of plant cultivation as it ensures the continued availability of the species for future generations. Different methods can be used to propagate Crataegus gattingeri Ashe var. rigida Palmer. These methods include:
1. Sexual Propagation:
Crataegus gattingeri Ashe var. rigida Palmer can be propagated sexually through seeds. This method involves harvesting seeds from mature fruits, usually done in the fall, and storing them in cool, dry conditions until they are ready to be planted. To increase germination rates, the seeds can be stratified for 60-90 days at 35-40°F before planting in a well-prepared seedbed. The seedlings should be transplanted after one year, allowing the plants to mature for several years before they can be transplanted to the field.
2. Asexual Propagation:
Asexual propagation involves using plant parts to grow new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant. Two common asexual propagation methods are:
i. Grafting:
Grafting involves taking a twig or bud from a mature plant (scion) and attaching it to a rootstock of a related species that has desirable qualities such as disease resistance, better growth, and improved fruiting. The scion and rootstock must fit firmly together, and the graft union should be wrapped and sealed to prevent water and air from entering. The grafted plant should be grown in a greenhouse or cold frame for two to three years before it can be transplanted to the field.
ii. Cuttings:
Cuttings are small sections of the stem or root cut from the parent plant and planted in a medium that promotes rooting. Hardwood cuttings are taken from mature hardwood stems in winter and planted in a well-draining medium. Softwood cuttings are taken from young stem tips in spring and early summer and planted in a mix of peat and perlite. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, humid place until rooted. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted to the field after one year.
Overall, Crataegus gattingeri Ashe var. rigida Palmer can be propagated sexually or asexually using different methods, with each method having its benefits and drawbacks. Whatever method is chosen, proper care must be taken to ensure the success of the propagation process.
Disease management
Crataegus gattingeri Ashe var. rigida Palmer is prone to several diseases, including:
- Leaf spot diseases caused by fungi such as Entomosporium and Cercosporella
- Cedar rust, which is caused by the Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae fungus
- Fire blight caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain proper plant nutrition and water management. Regular pruning is beneficial as it creates airflow and reduces humidity, which can prevent the growth and spread of fungal diseases. Additionally, removing diseased or infected plant material reduces the growth and spread of plant pathogens. If the situation warrants it, an application of a fungicide can help control the spread of fungal diseases.
Pest management
Crataegus gattingeri Ashe var. rigida Palmer is also susceptible to pests, including:
- Scale insects
- Aphids
- Spider mites
Regular monitoring and prompt intervention are crucial to preventing pests from becoming a major problem. Biological or natural controls, such as introducing beneficial insects, can help keep pest populations in check. Additionally, pruning and cleaning up plant debris can reduce pest habitat and food sources while minimizing the need for chemical control. If necessary, use insecticides as a last resort and only when the infestation is severe and other methods have proven ineffective.
