Overview of Crataegus intricata Lange var. rubella (Beadle) Kruschke
Crataegus intricata Lange var. rubella, commonly known as the Beadle's hawthorn, is a shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a deciduous plant that is native to the eastern United States, including states like Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. The plant is mainly found growing at the edges of woodlands, wooded slopes, and along streams.
General Appearance
The Beadle's hawthorn shrub can grow up to 10 feet in height and 10 feet in width. It has a rounded, dense, and spreading crown and produces small clusters of pink or white flowers in late spring. The leaves are deeply lobed, deciduous, and reach up to 3 inches long and about 2.5 inches wide. The bark of the tree is gray-brown and develops a scaly texture as the tree ages.
Uses of Crataegus intricata Lange var. rubella
The Beadle's hawthorn is a popular garden ornamental due to its attractive appearance and hardy nature. The plant is also used in naturalistic landscaping projects and for restoration of disturbed sites. In addition, the fruits and leaves of the plant have traditional medicinal uses, such as treating heart diseases, blood pressure, and digestive problems.
The fruits of the Beadle's hawthorn are small, glossy, and red, resembling tiny apples. They have a slightly sour taste and are edible when cooked. The fruits are used to make jams, jellies, and herbal teas. The plant's bark and roots are also used to create crimson dyes used in textiles and crafts.
Conclusion
Overall, Crataegus intricata Lange var. rubella, the Beadle's hawthorn, is a beautiful and useful plant that has both ornamental and medicinal benefits. Its unique appearance, hardiness, and versatility make it an excellent addition to any garden or restoration project.
Light Requirements
Crataegus intricata Lange var. rubella (Beadle) Kruschke requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It prefers an area where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Lack of sufficient sunlight can lead to stunted growth and poor flower and fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it does best in cool to mild temperatures, with an optimum range of 60-75°F (15-24°C). During the winter, it can tolerate even colder temperatures, below freezing, but excessive heat can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with good drainage. The ideal soil pH range is between 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, such as compost, and have a moisture level that is not too wet or too dry. If the soil is too wet, it can lead to root rot, while too dry soil can stunt the growth of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus intricata Lange var. rubella (Beadle) Kruschke is a small, slow-growing shrub that is native to North America. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil. When planting, make sure the soil is loose and has good drainage. You can also add compost or other organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility. This plant is typically propagated from seeds or cuttings, but it can also be purchased from a nursery or garden center.
Watering Needs
Crataegus intricata Lange var. rubella (Beadle) Kruschke has moderate water needs. When watering, make sure to water deeply enough to wet the entire root system. Avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. During prolonged dry periods, make sure to water the plant more frequently, but be careful not to waterlog the soil.
Fertilization
This plant does not require much fertilization. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to help promote growth, but be careful not to over-fertilize as this can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant. Instead, focus on providing the plant with good soil and proper watering to promote healthy growth.
Pruning
Crataegus intricata Lange var. rubella (Beadle) Kruschke grows slowly and does not typically require pruning. However, if you need to remove dead or damaged branches, you can prune them back to healthy wood. You can also prune to shape the plant, but be careful not to prune too heavily as this can damage the plant and reduce its growth in the future. Prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Propagation Methods for Crataegus intricata Lange var. rubella (Beadle) Kruschke
There are several possible methods to propagate Crataegus intricata Lange var. rubella (Beadle) Kruschke, also known as the Red hawthorn. Here are some of the most common ones:
Seed Propagation
One of the simplest ways to propagate Red hawthorn is by seed. Simply collect ripe fruits in the fall and remove the pulp around the seeds. Dry the seeds and stratify them for 90-120 days at 33-41 °F (1-5 °C). After stratification, sow the seeds in a 1:1 sand/peat mixture and keep them moist. Germination should occur in about 3-4 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
An alternative method to propagate Red hawthorn is by hardwood cuttings taken in winter. Select one-year-old growth and cut 8-10 inch (20-25 cm) stem sections. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and stick them in a 1:1 perlite/peat mixture. Cover them with plastic bags or propagating frames and keep them in a shaded area. Cuttings should root in about 3-4 months.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a more advanced method to propagate Red hawthorn that requires some experience. It involves joining a scion (a small twig with buds) from the desired cultivar onto a rootstock of a related species or wild seedling. To ensure proper compatibility, the diameter of the scion and the rootstock should match as closely as possible. Grafting is usually done in late winter or early spring, either by whip and tongue or cleft grafting techniques.
Disease management
C. intricata var. rubella is susceptible to a few diseases, including:
- Fungal leaf spots: These appear as circular spots on the leaves, and in severe cases, cause the leaves to drop. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
- Cedar-apple rust: This fungal disease causes yellow spots on the leaves, and eventually leads to defoliation. The disease is managed by removing infected leaves, pruning out galls on junipers, and planting resistant varieties.
- Crown gall: This bacterial infection causes galls on the stems and roots, which can eventually lead to the death of the plant. To manage this disease, avoid injuring the plant and sanitize pruning tools to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
Pest management
The common pests that affect C. intricata var. rubella are:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and distort. They are managed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or applying a neem oil or insecticidal soap solution.
- Mites: These tiny pests cause discoloration and distortion of the leaves. They are managed by regularly spraying the plant with water, as they prefer dry environments. In severe cases, an application of insecticidal soap may be necessary.
- Scale insects: These pests appear as small bumps on the stems and leaves, and can cause yellowing and distortion. They are managed by removing the insects with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or horticultural oil.
- Japanese beetles: These beetles consume the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the plant. They are managed by handpicking them off the plant, or applying a neem oil or insecticidal soap solution.
