Overview
Crataegus intricata Lange var. neobushii (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the Neo-Bush Hawthorn, is a plant species that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a shrub that is known for its various medicinal and ornamental uses.
Origin
The Neo-Bush Hawthorn is native to North America, specifically in the central and southeastern regions of the United States. It can be found in various states such as Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, and others. The plant thrives in areas with well-drained soil and ample sunlight.
Common Names
Aside from its scientific name, the Neo-Bush Hawthorn is also commonly referred to as the Bush Hawthorn or the Hawthorn shrub.
Uses
The Neo-Bush Hawthorn has various traditional and medicinal uses. Native Americans have long used the plant's leaves, bark, and berries to treat cardiovascular diseases, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. The plant's berries are also commonly used to make jam, jellies, and sauces.
The Neo-Bush Hawthorn is also a valued ornamental plant. Its dense foliage, white or pinkish flowers, and bright red berries add color and life to gardens and landscapes. The plant is also a favorite among birds and other wildlife that feed on its berries.
General Appearance
The Neo-Bush Hawthorn is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3m tall and 2.5m wide. It has a spreading growth habit and multiple trunks or stems. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and lobed, while its flowers bloom in early spring, forming clusters of white or pinkish blooms. The plant's berries are small, bright red, and taste tart or slightly sweet.
Overall, Crataegus intricata Lange var. neobushii (Sarg.) Kruschke, or the Neo-Bush Hawthorn, is a beautiful and versatile plant that is highly valued for its medicinal and ornamental uses.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus intricata Lange var. neobushii (Sarg.) Kruschke plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade but may not bloom as heavily as it would in full sun. When planting, choose a site that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to North America and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers cool to temperate climates and is hardy to USDA zones 4-8. It can tolerate drought but does best with consistent moisture.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus intricata Lange var. neobushii (Sarg.) Kruschke plant prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including loam, sand, and clay, but does not do well in soggy or waterlogged soil. Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
Cultivation Methods
The Crataegus intricata Lange var. neobushii (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the "New Jersey Hawthorn," is a relatively easy plant to grow. However, to ensure healthy growth, it is essential to choose a suitable location with well-draining soil and proper sunlight exposure.
The plant prefers full sun or partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It is also adaptable to different pH levels, with a preference for slightly acidic to neutral soils.
Before planting the hawthorn, it is recommended to loosen the soil and add organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This helps improve soil fertility and structure while providing essential nutrients for healthy growth.
Watering Needs
Crataegus intricata Lange var. neobushii (Sarg.) Kruschke requires moderate watering, with an adequate supply of water during the growing season. However, care should be taken to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
The plant prefers steady soil moisture, but it can tolerate short periods of drought, making it a suitable choice for areas with occasional water scarcity. It is recommended to water the hawthorn deeply, preferably in the morning or late afternoon, to allow the plant to absorb water properly.
Fertilization
The New Jersey Hawthorn is a moderate feeder, meaning it requires a moderate amount of fertilizer to thrive. It is best to fertilize the plant during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, following the manufacturer's instructions.
For mature plants, it is recommended to apply fertilizer in early spring before the onset of new growth and again after flowering. Avoid late-season fertilization, as this can promote excess foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of caring for the Crataegus intricata Lange var. neobushii (Sarg.) Kruschke plant. Regular pruning helps improve air circulation, promote healthy growth, and maintain a desirable shape.
The best time for pruning hawthorn is in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth. It is recommended to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches that can cause wounds and attract pests and diseases.
It is also necessary to thin out the interior of the plant by removing some of the older or weaker branches. This helps improve light penetration and air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Remember to use sharp, sterile pruning tools and make clean cuts to minimize damage to the plant.
Propagation of Crataegus intricata Lange var. neobushii (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus intricata Lange var. neobushii (Sarg.) Kruschke can be propagated through various methods. Here are some of the most commonly used propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating C. intricata var. neobushii is through seed propagation. Collect the seeds from the fruit in the autumn when they are ripe. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing in a nursery bed or seed tray. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep them moist until germination occurs.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings can also be used to propagate C. intricata var. neobushii. Take cuttings in mid-late summer when the wood is semi-hard and remove any leaves nearby. Use rooting hormone and plant them in a soil mixture of sand and peat moss, keeping them moist. Roots will form in 4-6 weeks.
Layering Propagation
Layering can be used to propagate C. intricata var. neobushii by bending a low-growing branch to the ground, then wounding the branch where it comes in contact with the soil and covering it with moist soil or mulch. After a few months, roots will form, and the new plant can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another method to propagate C. intricata var. neobushii, although it is less commonly used. A compatible rootstock is selected, which then has a cutting from the desired plant variety attached to it. The graft is then bound, and the plant is grown until the graft takes hold and begins to grow.
Disease Management
Crataegus intricata Lange var. neobushii (Sarg.) Kruschke is susceptible to fungal diseases such as apple scab, fire blight, and cedar rust. To prevent these diseases, it is important to practice good cultural practices such as pruning to promote good air circulation, watering the plants early in the day to allow foliage to dry out, and removing dead plant materials to prevent the buildup of fungal spores.
If signs of disease are identified, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant materials to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides such as copper-based sprays and neem oil can also be used as a preventative measure against fungal infections.
Pest Management
Crataegus intricata Lange var. neobushii (Sarg.) Kruschke is also vulnerable to pest infestations, particularly from aphids, mites, and scale insects. To manage these pests, natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to the garden to feed on these pests.
If infestations are severe, insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can also be used to control pest populations. It is important to always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products to avoid harming beneficial pollinators and other insects.
Regular monitoring and maintenance of the plant is crucial to preventing and managing any potential pest or disease issues. By promoting a healthy growing environment and practicing good cultural practices, such as regular pruning and watering, gardeners can help to ensure the long-term health of their Crataegus intricata Lange var. neobushii (Sarg.) Kruschke.
