Crataegus jesupii Sarg.
Crataegus jesupii Sarg. is a small tree of the Rosaceae family commonly known as Jesup's hawthorn. The tree is believed to be endemic to Florida, where it was discovered and named by Charles Sprague Sargent in 1913.
Appearance
The tree can grow up to 10 meters in height and has a compact, rounded crown. Its bark is gray to brown, with furrows and flattened ridges. The leaves are small and glossy, dark green above and lighter beneath, with a variable shape that can be oval, elliptical, or even lobed. The flowers are white and grow in clusters, appearing in the spring. The fruit is a red, berry-like pome, approximately 8mm in diameter, that ripens in the fall and persists through winter.
Uses
Jesup's hawthorn has primarily ornamental value as an attractive flowering tree, making it a popular choice in residential landscaping. The fruit is edible and can be used to make preserves and jellies. In traditional medicine, the hawthorn has been used as a heart tonic and digestive aid. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these uses, and the tree should not be used without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.
Typical Growth Conditions of Crataegus jesupii Sarg.
Crataegus jesupii Sarg., commonly known as Jesup’s Hawthorn, is a small tree or shrub that belongs to the rose family. This plant is native to the United States and is commonly found in the southeastern region of the country, particularly in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. To ensure optimal growth and development of Crataegus jesupii Sarg., certain environmental conditions should be provided.
Light Requirements
Jesup’s Hawthorn requires ample sunlight to thrive. It prefers full to partial sunlight exposure and should receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily. A lack of adequate sunlight exposure may result in stunted growth, weak stems, and leaf yellowing.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus jesupii Sarg. can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in areas where temperatures range from -28°C to 38°C. However, it prefers moderate temperatures between 18°C to 27°C. A sudden change in temperature can negatively impact its growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The soil should be well-drained and fertile. Jesup’s Hawthorn is not too picky when it comes to soil pH and can grow in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. A soil pH of 6 to 7.5 is optimal for its growth. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. In areas with poor soil quality, it is advisable to incorporate organic matter to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Cultivation
Crataegus jesupii Sarg., also known as Jesup's Hawthorn, is a beautiful ornamental plant that can add aesthetic and ecological value to your garden or landscape. It is a species of hawthorn that is native to the southeastern United States and is well adapted to a wide range of soil types, pH levels, and climatic conditions.
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate heat, drought, and cold temperatures. It can grow up to a height of 20 feet and a spread of 15 feet, making it ideal for small gardens and compact landscapes. The plant has a moderate growth rate and can be easily propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Watering
Crataegus jesupii Sarg. requires regular watering, especially during the first few years after planting. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and should be watered deeply once a week to encourage deep rooting. During hot and dry weather, the plant may require more frequent and thorough watering to prevent drought stress.
It is important not to overwater the plant, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. The best way to avoid overwatering is to check the soil moisture level regularly and water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Crataegus jesupii Sarg. is a relatively low-maintenance plant and does not require heavy fertilization. However, applying a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year can help promote healthy growth and blooming.
The fertilizer should be applied in early spring and late fall, when the plant is actively growing. A slow-release fertilizer is preferred to prevent overfertilization and to ensure consistent nutrient supply over an extended period of time.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of the care and maintenance of Crataegus jesupii Sarg. and should be done annually to keep the plant healthy and attractive. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
The pruning should involve removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and shaping the plant to the desired form. It is important to use sharp and clean pruning tools to prevent damage to the plant and to avoid spreading diseases.
In conclusion, cultivating and caring for Crataegus jesupii Sarg. is relatively easy and straightforward. By following the guidelines on watering, fertilization, and pruning, you can ensure that your plant thrives and provides beauty and ecological benefits for many years to come.
Propagation of Crataegus jesupii Sarg.
There are several methods for the propagation of Crataegus jesupii Sarg., including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation involves collecting ripe seeds in the fall and sow them immediately. The seeds should be planted in a soilless mixture and covered with a light layer of sand. The planting should be kept in a moist environment with a temperature of 70-75°F. The seedlings will start germinating in the spring, and they can be transplanted into individual pots after they develop their true leaves.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another effective technique for propagating Crataegus jesupii Sarg. The cuttings should be taken in mid to late summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches in length, with at least two nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the ends of the cuttings in rooting hormone before planting them in a rooting mix with good drainage. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm while rooting, and they can be transplanted into individual pots once they root completely.
Grafting
Grafting is a useful technique for propagating Crataegus jesupii Sarg. Grafting involves attaching the stem of one plant, the scion, onto the rootstock of another plant, which is usually a closely related species. The scion should be taken in late winter or early spring, and the rootstock should be collected in late fall. The two plants should be joined under a moist environment with good pressure and bandage. Once they have joined, the bandage can be removed, and the new plant can be transplanted into the soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus jesupii Sarg.
Like many other types of plants, Crataegus jesupii Sarg. is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and overall health. Here are some of the common pests and diseases that affect this plant and how to manage them:
Diseases
Fire blight: Fire blight is a bacterial disease that affects many species of hawthorn, including Crataegus jesupii Sarg. It causes the leaves and branches to wilt and turn black. To manage this disease, prune any infected branches and destroy them. You can also spray the plant with copper fungicide when it's in bloom.
Cedar-hawthorn rust: This is a fungal disease that affects hawthorns, especially those growing near cedar trees. It causes yellow spots on the leaves and fruit, which eventually turn brown. To manage this disease, remove any nearby cedar trees and spray the plant with a fungicide like myclobutanil or tebuconazole.
Pests
Japanese beetles: Japanese beetles are a common pest that feeds on the leaves and flowers of hawthorn trees, including Crataegus jesupii Sarg. To manage this pest, remove any damaged leaves and apply an insecticide like carbaryl or bifenthrin.
Aphids: Aphids suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing damage to the plant. To manage this pest, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the leaves of hawthorn trees, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage this pest, spray the plant with a miticide like abamectin or hexythiazox.
By taking the appropriate steps to manage these diseases and pests, you can help your Crataegus jesupii Sarg. plant to grow healthy and strong, providing an attractive and beneficial addition to your garden or landscape.
