Overview
Crataegus iracunda Beadle var. silvicola (Beadle) Palmer is a species of hawthorn plant that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is commonly found in the eastern United States and some parts of Canada.Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the woodland hawthorn or the rough hawthorn. It is also sometimes referred to as the woodland thorn.Appearance
The woodland hawthorn can grow up to 20 feet tall and has a rounded shape. Its bark is grey-brown and is covered in thorns. The leaves of the plant are serrated and oval-shaped, and they turn yellow in the fall. The hawthorn's flowers are white with five petals and a cluster of stamens in the center. They bloom in late spring and are followed by red or black berries that are edible but bitter.Uses
The woodland hawthorn has a variety of uses. The plant's bark, leaves, and flowers have been used medicinally to treat heart conditions, digestive issues, and anxiety. The berries can also be made into jellies and jams. The plant is also used for erosion control and is a popular choice for ornamental plantings due to its attractive foliage and flowers.Growth Conditions for Crataegus iracunda Beadle var. silvicola (Beadle) Palmer
Crataegus iracunda Beadle var. silvicola (Beadle) Palmer, commonly known as woodland hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub with a rounded crown and thorny branches. It is native to North America and can be found growing in woodlands, stream banks, and rocky slopes. This plant typically grows up to 4-8 meters tall and can spread up to 2-4 meters wide. The growth conditions required for this shrub are as follows:
Light Requirements
The woodland hawthorn shrub prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. It can tolerate shade but will not bloom well without enough sunlight. Therefore, it should be planted in an area with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil Requirements
The hawthorn shrub can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it prefers a loamy, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter. It is essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot.
Temperature Requirements
The woodland hawthorn shrub is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperature conditions. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-8, where the minimum temperatures range from -30°F (-34°C) to 20°F (-6°C). However, it prefers moderate temperatures, with an average temperature range of 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C).
Moisture Requirements
The shrub requires moderate to high moisture levels. It is tolerant of drought conditions, but it is essential to ensure that the soil does not dry out completely. The plant prefers evenly moist soil and can benefit from regular watering during the growth season.
In conclusion, Crataegus iracunda Beadle var. silvicola (Beadle) Palmer is a hardy deciduous shrub that can grow in a wide range of conditions. It prefers partial to full sun exposure, a well-draining, rich soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, moderate temperatures, and moderate to high moisture levels.
Cultivation methods
When it comes to the cultivation of Crataegus iracunda Beadle var. silvicola (Beadle) Palmer, it's essential to select an appropriate site with sufficient sunlight and well-drained soil. The plant prefers a neutral to mildly acidic soil pH. It's best to plant the tree during spring, preferably when the soil temperature is warm enough for the roots to establish adequately.
Watering needs
Crataegus iracunda Beadle var. silvicola (Beadle) Palmer is a drought-resistant tree. However, proper watering is necessary during the initial stages of growth and development. Water the plant regularly during the first two years, providing an inch of water every week. Once the plant gets established, reduce the frequency of watering to once or twice a month.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is necessary for the healthy growth and development of Crataegus iracunda Beadle var. silvicola (Beadle) Palmer. An all-purpose fertilizer applied once or twice a year during the growing season (spring and fall) is sufficient. Overfertilization may lead to excessive growth and attract unwanted pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning is an integral part of cultivating Crataegus iracunda Beadle var. silvicola (Beadle) Palmer. It allows for better sunlight penetration, improved air circulation, and the removal of dead or diseased branches. Prune during the dormant season (late winter to early spring) to avoid damaging the tree's foliage. Use clean, sharp tools, and make cuts at a 45-degree angle.
Propagation of Crataegus iracunda Beadle var. silvicola
Crataegus iracunda Beadle var. silvicola, commonly known as forest hawthorn, can be propagated through several methods:
Seed propagation
Seeds are the most commonly used method for Crataegus iracunda Beadle var. silvicola propagation. The best time to collect seeds is in the fall. Seeds must be cleaned thoroughly to remove any flesh or pulp. They can then be stored in a cool and dry place. Seeds can be sowed in a pot or directly into the ground. It is recommended to use a well-draining soil mix for successful seed germination.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is another method of propagating Crataegus iracunda Beadle var. silvicola. Softwood cuttings are taken in the spring from the current year's growth, while hardwood cuttings are taken in the winter from the previous year's growth. Cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants. They can be treated with rooting hormones to enhance their chances of rooting.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is a propagation method that involves attaching a scion from a desired plant to a rootstock of a different plant. The scion must be taken from a healthy and disease-free plant, while the rootstock should be a hardy and disease-resistant variety. The scion and rootstock are then joined together and allowed to grow. Grafting is a more advanced propagation method and may require specialized equipment and expertise.
Disease Management for Crataegus iracunda Beadle var. silvicola
Disease management is crucial for Crataegus iracunda Beadle var. silvicola. A few common diseases that affect this plant are fire blight, cedar-apple rust, and leaf spot disease.
1. Fire Blight: This is a bacterial disease that results in the death of plant tissue. Symptoms include brown leaves with a scorched appearance. The best way to avoid fire blight is to prune dead or infected branches and apply a copper fungicide during the dormant season.
2. Cedar-Apple Rust: This fungal disease causes yellow-brown spots on the leaves. It is often a result of infected cedar trees. The best way to control cedar-apple rust is to remove any infected leaves, maintain proper air circulation, and apply a fungicide.
3. Leaf Spot Disease: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves and can lead to defoliation if untreated. The best way to manage leaf spot disease is to remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
Pest Management for Crataegus iracunda Beadle var. silvicola
Pest management is equally important for Crataegus iracunda Beadle var. silvicola. A few common pests that affect this plant are apple maggots, aphids, and mites.
1. Apple Maggots: These insects lay their eggs in the fruit, causing it to rot. The best management practices include removing fallen fruit, using sticky traps and applying a spruce budworm insecticide.
2. Aphids: These insects suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and deformities in leaves. The best way to control this pest is to spray the plant with soapy water or insecticide.
3. Mites: These insects feed on leaves and cause bronzing or yellowing. The best way to manage mites is to remove infested leaves and apply a horticultural oil or insecticide.
