Introduction
Crataegus jackii Sarg. is a plant species of the family Rosaceae. It is commonly known as Jack's Hawthorn, in honor of its discoverer, Dr. Burton Edward Jack.Origin
Crataegus jackii Sarg. is a highly endangered plant species that is endemic to the Ozark Plateau in Arkansas, USA. It is mainly found in dry, rocky open woods and limestone glades.General Appearance
Crataegus jackii Sarg. is a shrub that can grow up to 4.5 meters tall. It has a dense, rounded crown and a trunk that is up to 40cm in diameter. The leaves of the plant are simple, lobed, and have a glossy dark green color that turns reddish-purple in the fall. The plant produces fragrant, white flowers that are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a small, glossy red berry that is around 1 cm in diameter and ripens in late summer.Uses
Crataegus jackii Sarg. has been used in traditional medicine for heart ailments, such as high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It is believed that the plant's bioactive components, such as flavonoids and triterpenoids, have cardioprotective properties. However, due to the plant's endangered status, it is not widely used in modern medicine. Additionally, the plant's fruit is edible and can be used in jams and jellies. In conclusion, Crataegus jackii Sarg. is a highly endangered plant species that is endemic to the Ozark Plateau in Arkansas. It has a dense, rounded crown and produces fragrant white flowers. The plant has been traditionally used for heart ailments due to its cardioprotective properties. However, due to the plant's endangered status, it is not widely used in modern medicine.Light Requirements
The Crataegus jackii Sarg. plant requires full sun to grow properly. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day but can also tolerate partial shade for a few hours.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is a native species of Northern America and needs a climate that is temperate to cold. It grows well in hardiness zones 4-7, which have annual minimum temperatures ranging from -30°F to 0°F (-34°C to -18°C).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. Sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter is ideal for the plant to grow. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soils and requires good drainage.
Cultivation Methods of Crataegus jackii Sarg.
Crataegus jackii Sarg. is a deciduous tree that is native to North America. It can grow up to 15-30 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide when fully matured. The tree prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a wide range of pH levels.
The planting site should be chosen carefully, with enough room for the tree to grow and spread. The soil should be prepared by removing any weeds, rocks, or debris and tilling it to loosen the soil. Ideally, the tree should be planted in the spring or fall when the weather is mild. The planting hole should be dug twice as deep and wide as the tree's root ball, and the tree should be placed in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Fill the hole with soil, water the tree thoroughly, and mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Watering Needs of Crataegus jackii Sarg.
Once established, Crataegus jackii Sarg. is a relatively low-maintenance tree that does not require much watering. However, the tree should be watered deeply and regularly during the first few growing seasons to help it establish a strong root system. Water the tree once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Make sure to water the tree at the base and not the leaves or branches, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Crataegus jackii Sarg.
Fertilization is not necessary for Crataegus jackii Sarg., as the tree can obtain all the nutrients it needs from the soil. However, if you want to promote healthy growth and development, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully and apply the fertilizer evenly around the tree's base.
Pruning of Crataegus jackii Sarg.
Pruning is not necessary for Crataegus jackii Sarg., but it can be done to shape the tree or remove any dead or diseased wood. The best time to prune the tree is in the late winter or early spring when it is dormant. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts, and avoid removing more than one-third of the tree's canopy at any one time. The tree should also be pruned to maintain good air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Propagation of Crataegus jackii Sarg.
Crataegus jackii Sarg., commonly known as Jack's hawthorn, can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Crataegus jackii Sarg. can be collected from the plant in the fall season, usually in October. The collected seeds must be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until the spring season arrives. In the spring season, the seeds can be stratified by mixing them with equal parts of damp sand or sawdust and allowing them to sit in a cool place for three to four months. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a well-drained soil mix and covered with a thin layer of soil. The pot or container where the seeds have been sown should be kept moist, and the seeds must receive adequate sunlight. The seeds will then germinate in a few weeks.
Propagation through cuttings
Crataegus jackii Sarg. can also be propagated through hardwood cuttings taken either in the fall or winter season. Cuttings should be of pencil thickness and around 30 cm long. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining medium, such as sand or perlite. The container where the cuttings have been planted should be kept moist, and the cuttings must receive adequate sunlight. The roots will typically form in four to six weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted in a pot or suitable location.
Propagation through grafting
Grafting is another way to propagate Crataegus jackii Sarg. This method involves joining a branch or bud from a parent plant onto a suitable rootstock. The rootstock must be compatible with the scion and should be of similar size. The cuts in the rootstock and scion should be precise and fit precisely. The grafted plant should be kept in a shaded area and watered regularly until the graft has taken hold. When the new plant has reached an acceptable size, it can be transplanted in a pot or suitable location.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus jackii Sarg.
Crataegus jackii Sarg., commonly known as Jack's hawthorn, is susceptible to a few pests and diseases that can harm its growth and productivity. It is essential to take preventive measures and curb the spread of infections early on to maintain the plant's health and longevity.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant, causing them to curl and distort. They also secrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of black sooty molds. You can control them by spraying neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil on the plant. Introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can also help.
Scale insects: Scale insects are known to infest the plant's branches and leaves, causing them to turn yellow and wilt. They are hard to spot as they look like bumps and blend in with the plant's texture. You can remove them manually or use a horticultural oil spray to suffocate them.
Mites: Mites cause a lot of harm to hawthorn plants by sucking on their sap and causing spots on the plant. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to remove them, or spray them with water to dislodge them from the plant.
Diseases
Cedar hawthorn rust: Cedar hawthorn rust is a fungal disease that affects the plant's leaves, stems, and fruit. It causes yellow spots on the leaves and brown spots on the fruit, which can result in deformities. To prevent it, avoid planting the hawthorn tree near cedar trees, as they are hosts for the fungus. Fungicides can also be sprayed on the plant to prevent the spread of the disease.
Fabraea leaf spot: Fabraea leaf spot is another fungal disease that can affect the plant's leaves and cause brown spots on the foliage, leading to defoliation. To manage it, prune the affected leaves and remove them from the area. Fungicides can also be sprayed on the plant to prevent the disease's spread.
Fire blight: Fire blight is a bacterial disease that affects the plant's leaves and branches. It causes the leaves to turn brown and the branches to wilt. The infection can spread quickly and kill the plant within a few days. Prune the affected areas and dispose of them properly to prevent the spread of the disease.
By maintaining good cultural practices such as proper watering, fertilization, and pruning, you can reduce the likelihood of pests and diseases affecting Crataegus jackii Sarg. landscape. Also, timely identification and treatment of pests and diseases can prevent more significant problems in the long run.
