Overview
Crataegus intricata Lange var. straminea (Beadle) Palmer is a flowering plant commonly known as the Beadle hawthorn. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and is a close relative of apples and roses. This species is native to the eastern United States and can be found in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee.
Description
The Beadle hawthorn is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that typically grows up to a height of 10-20 feet. It has an irregular, rounded shape and a dense crown consisting of thorny branches. The leaves of this plant are lobed, shiny, and dark green in color. The flowers are white with a pinkish tint, and they bloom in clusters during the months of May and June. The fruit is a tiny red-colored berry that ripens in September and October.
Uses
The Beadle hawthorn has several uses. Traditionally, it has been used as a medicinal plant to treat heart ailments, digestive problems, and high blood pressure. The fruit of this plant is edible, although it is not commonly consumed due to its small size and sour taste. The Beadle hawthorn is also planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks due to its attractive appearance and tolerance of a wide range of soil conditions. Additionally, the thorny branches of this plant make it an excellent choice for hedgerows or as a natural boundary.
General Appearance
The Beadle hawthorn is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that has an irregular, rounded shape and a dense crown of thorny branches. It is characterized by lobed, shiny, dark green leaves and clusters of white flowers that bloom in late spring. The small red berries that appear in the fall provide a colorful accent to the landscape. Overall, the Beadle hawthorn is an attractive and hardy tree that can provide both aesthetic and practical benefits to any garden or property.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus intricata Lange var. straminea (Beadle) Palmer
Light Requirements: Crataegus intricata Lange var. straminea (Beadle) Palmer prefers full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. When grown in partial shade, the plant may have a more open habit and produce fewer flowers and fruits.
Temperature: This plant species tolerates a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers cooler climates. It can tolerate winter temperatures down to -40°F (-40°C) and summer temperatures up to 90°F (32°C). However, it may be damaged by heatwaves or extreme cold, so it is important to monitor the temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements: This plant is adaptable to a variety of soil types and pH levels, but it prefers well-draining soils. Sandy, loamy soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 are ideal. It also tolerates alkaline soils and can grow well in soils with moderate salinity. It is important to maintain adequate moisture levels, particularly during the first year of growth.
Nutrient Requirements: Crataegus intricata Lange var. straminea (Beadle) Palmer has low to moderate nutrient requirements, and it can tolerate poor soils. However, the growth and development of the plant can be enhanced by providing a balanced fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 can be applied during the growing season to maintain adequate nutrient levels.
Water Requirements: Although Crataegus intricata Lange var. straminea (Beadle) Palmer can tolerate drought conditions, it requires consistent moisture during the first year after planting. After this period, it can tolerate periodic dry spells. However, if the plant shows signs of stress or wilting, it should be watered immediately.
Cultivation Methods for Crataegus intricata Lange var. straminea (Beadle) Palmer
Crataegus intricata Lange var. straminea (Beadle) Palmer, commonly known as the Beadle's hawthorn, is an attractive deciduous shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall. It is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America and is an excellent addition to any garden. Here are some cultivation tips for growing Beadle's hawthorn:
- Plant in well-drained, fertile soil in a location that receives full sun or partial shade.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Provide adequate spacing between plants as they can grow up to 15 feet tall.
- Plant in fall or early spring when the plant is dormant.
Watering Needs for Crataegus intricata Lange var. straminea (Beadle) Palmer
Beadle's hawthorn requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. It is important not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot. Here are some watering tips:
- Water deeply and thoroughly to encourage root development.
- Water the plant once or twice a week during dry periods.
- Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil.
Fertilization for Crataegus intricata Lange var. straminea (Beadle) Palmer
Applying fertilizer to Beadle's hawthorn can help promote healthy growth and flowering. Here are some fertilization tips:
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring before new growth appears.
- Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Avoid applying too much fertilizer as this can harm the plant.
Pruning for Crataegus intricata Lange var. straminea (Beadle) Palmer
Pruning Beadle's hawthorn can help maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Here are some pruning tips:
- Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
- Remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood to prevent the spread of disease.
- Thin out crowded, crossed, or rubbing branches to promote airflow and sunlight penetration.
- Clip back new growth to maintain the plant's shape or size.
Propagation of Crataegus intricata Lange var. straminea (Beadle) Palmer
Crataegus intricata Lange var. straminea (Beadle) Palmer, commonly known as Beadle hawthorn, can be propagated through several methods:
Seed Propagation
The plant produces orange to red berries that contain one seed each. Collect the fully ripe berries from the plant and store them in a cool and dry place. After two to three months of storage, wash the berries to remove the pulp and allow the seeds to dry for several days. Stratify the seeds in moist sand or vermiculite at a temperature of 33-41°F for 90-120 days to improve germination rates. After stratification, plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, keep them moist, and place them in partial shade. Germination generally occurs in three to six weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Take 6-8 inch hardwood cuttings in late fall or winter from the current year's growth of the plant. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, then plant them in a well-draining potting mix containing perlite or vermiculite. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm and bright location, but not in direct sunlight. Transplant the rooted cuttings into individual pots or in the desired location after several months.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a common propagation method used to propagate hawthorn trees. Propagation by grafting ensures that the desired variety characteristics are retained and passed down to the next generation of plants. The best time to graft Crataegus intricata Lange var. straminea (Beadle) Palmer is in early spring or late summer. Collect a scion from a mature Beadle hawthorn tree, then graft it onto a rootstock of the same species or a closely related species. Follow the necessary steps for grafting including selection of healthy scion and rootstock material, matching of the diameter of the scion and the stock, and sealing the grafted area with grafting sealant to prevent moisture loss and infection. Keep the graft moist and protected until it establishes a strong root system.
Disease Management
Crataegus intricata Lange var. straminea, like many other plants, can be susceptible to certain types of diseases. One common disease that affects this plant is fire blight. Fire blight is a bacterial disease that can cause wilting and blackening of branches, flowers, and leaves. To manage this disease, you should prune out infected branches and dispose of them immediately. You should also avoid overhead watering and apply a copper compound spray on the plant.
Another disease that can affect this plant is rust disease. Rust appears as yellow-orange spots on the leaves of the plant. There are no known chemical controls for rust disease, so you should remove any affected leaves and apply a sulfur-based fungicide to reduce the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Several types of pests can affect Crataegus intricata Lange var. straminea. One of the most common pests that affect this plant is the aphid. Aphids suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and wilt. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or a strong spray of water to dislodge them from the plant.
Another pest that can affect this plant is scale insects. Scale insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant, sucking sap and causing yellowing and wilting of the plant. To manage scale insects, you can use a horticultural oil spray or a neem oil spray to suffocate and kill them.
In conclusion, disease and pest management are essential for the healthy growth and development of Crataegus intricata Lange var. straminea. By taking preventive measures and applying appropriate management techniques, you can help your plant thrive and survive.
