Origin
Crataegus intricata Lange var. boyntonii (Beadle) Kruschke, commonly known as Boynton’s hawthorn, is a native tree species in the Rosaceae family. This plant is found mainly in the eastern parts of the United States, including Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.
Common Names
Boynton's hawthorn is also referred to as Beadle's hawthorn, white haw, sweet haw, and wild hawthorn. The Beadle name is in honor of Cornelia Beadle, a renowned American botanist known for his extensive study of hawthorn species.
Uses
The Boynton's hawthorn tree is commonly used for landscaping and as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful appearance. Hawthorn species are also known for their medicinal properties and have been used for centuries to treat heart problems, indigestion, and anxiety. The bark, leaves, and flowers of the Boynton's hawthorn tree are all medicinal and can be used to make teas, tinctures, and homeopathic remedies.
General Appearance
The Boynton's hawthorn tree is a small deciduous tree that grows to a height of about 10-15 feet and has a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are simple, lobed, and alternate and have a bright green color that turns yellow in the fall. The flowers are white and grow in clusters of four or five. These flowers have a sweet smell that attracts bees and other pollinators. The fruit of the Boynton's hawthorn tree is a red to blackish berry that is edible, although not commonly consumed by humans. The tree's bark is greyish-brown and smooth, while the twigs are reddish-brown and have sharp thorns.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus intricata Lange var. boyntonii (Beadle) Kruschke plant requires full sun exposure for healthy growth. It needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the growth of Crataegus intricata Lange var. boyntonii (Beadle) Kruschke is between 20-25°C. The plant can tolerate colder temperatures but only to a certain level, and it can survive in temperatures as low as -20°C.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for this plant are well-drained and rich in nutrients. It thrives in loamy soils that allow the roots to access water and nutrients easily. The soil should be acidic to neutral, with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers moist soil, but not waterlogging, as it can damage the roots.
Cultivation Methods
The plant Crataegus intricata Lange var. boyntonii (Beadle) Kruschke can be propagated from seed or cuttings. It grows well in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and prefers full sunlight for optimum growth. It can tolerate partial shade but may produce fewer flowers and fruits.
Watering Needs
The plant needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. It is essential to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant responds well to fertilizers applied during the growing season. Fertilizers like 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 can be applied at a rate of one pound per 100 square feet of garden area. It is recommended to apply the fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears.
Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for maintaining the shape and size of the plant and promoting new growth. It should be done when the plant is dormant in winter or early spring before new growth appears. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches and twigs should be removed. It is also useful to thin out crowded branches to enhance airflow and sunlight penetration into the plant's interior.
Propagation Methods of Crataegus intricata Lange var. boyntonii (Beadle) Kruschke
Crataegus intricata Lange var. boyntonii (Beadle) Kruschke is a rare plant commonly known as Boynton's hawthorn. This plant is endemic to the United States and is typically found in the regions of Oregon and California. Boynton's hawthorn is known for its strikingly beautiful white flowers and its ability to attract pollinators. It can be propagated through the following methods:
1. Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Crataegus intricata Lange var. boyntonii (Beadle) Kruschke is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature fruits that have fallen from the tree. The fruits should be collected in autumn when they are fully ripe. The collected fruits can be smashed to remove the seeds, which should then be washed and dried. You can sow the seeds indoors in the winter and transplant the seedlings outdoors when they reach a height of 6 inches. The seedlings should be planted in well-drained soil in partial sun.
2. Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method for Crataegus intricata Lange var. boyntonii (Beadle) Kruschke. This method involves cutting a shoot from a parent plant and attaching it to a rootstock of a different plant. The two plants will eventually fuse together, forming a single plant. Grafting can be done in the springtime when the plant is actively growing. This method ensures that the new plant will have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
3. Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is a form of vegetative propagation that can be used to propagate Crataegus intricata Lange var. boyntonii (Beadle) Kruschke. This method involves taking a segment of the stem or a branch of the parent plant and planting it in soil. The cutting should be taken from the side of the plant facing away from the sun. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in well-drained soil with a high percentage of perlite or vermiculite. The cutting should be kept moist and should be placed in partial shade. The cutting should start to root in around 6 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus intricata Lange var. boyntonii (Beadle) Kruschke
Crataegus intricata Lange var. boyntonii (Beadle) Kruschke, commonly known as Boynton's hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can harm its growth and overall health. Here are some of the common issues that may affect Boynton's hawthorn and how to manage them:
Diseases
Cedar hawthorn rust: This fungal disease causes yellow to orange spots on the leaves and premature defoliation. It requires both a cedar tree and a hawthorn to complete its life cycle, and spores are spread by wind. Managing cedar hawthorn rust involves planting resistant varieties, pruning infected leaves and branches, and removing nearby cedar trees.
Fire blight: This bacterial disease causes wilting, blackened leaves, and twigs that look like they were scorched by fire. It spreads rapidly in warm, moist conditions and can kill the tree if left untreated. The best way to manage fire blight is to prune infected branches at least 12 inches below the diseased area and dispose of them away from the tree. Avoid pruning in wet conditions and sterilize pruning tools between cuts.
Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes circular or irregular leaf spots that are reddish-brown with a purple border. Leaf spot can weaken the tree if it occurs frequently, but it rarely causes serious damage. Managing leaf spot involves raking and disposing of fallen leaves, using proper irrigation to avoid splashing water on leaves, and applying fungicides if necessary.
Pests
Scale insects: These tiny insects attach themselves to the leaves and twigs and suck sap from the tree, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. They secrete a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts ants and sooty mold. Managing scale insects involves pruning heavily-infested branches, using horticultural oil to suffocate them, and introducing natural predators like lady beetles.
Aphids: These soft-bodied insects also suck sap from the tree and cause curling, yellowing, and distorted growth. Like scale insects, aphids excrete honeydew and attract ants and sooty mold. Managing aphids involves the same tactics as for scale insects, along with spraying the tree with a strong stream of water to dislodge them.
Caterpillars: Various species of caterpillars can feed on Boynton's hawthorn leaves, causing skeletonization and defoliation. These pests are most active in spring and early summer. Managing caterpillars involves hand-picking them, introducing natural predators like birds and wasps, and using Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray.
Overall, preventing diseases and pests from affecting Boynton's hawthorn involves maintaining healthy growing conditions, planting resistant varieties, and regular monitoring. Early detection and prompt treatment are key to managing any issues that arise.
