Overview
Crataegus jonesiae Sarg. var. harryi (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as Harry hawthorn, is a species of hawthorn that belongs to the rose family Rosaceae. It is native to the southeastern United States and is found in states such as Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. This plant possesses beautiful characteristics that make it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes.
Common names
The plant is commonly referred to as Harry hawthorn, Harry's thorn, or Jones' hawthorn, named after Dr. Elihu Jones, the American botanist who studied hawthorns in the 19th century.
Appearance
Harry hawthorn typically grows as a small, deciduous tree or shrub that can reach up to 5 meters in height. It also has a broad, irregular canopy that can spread to a similar width. Its bark is gray-brown, with numerous thorns that can grow up to 3 cm in length. Its leaves are dark green, glossy and have a distinctive, serrated edge that runs along their perimeter.
During the spring season, Harry hawthorn blossoms with lovely clusters of white flowers that are small and fragrant. These blossoms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding to their garden aesthetic. Following the flowers are red fruits that grow in small clusters up to 1 cm in diameter.
Uses
Harry hawthorn is a great plant for beautification purposes due to the lovely flowers and fruits it produces. It can be grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks or as a hedging plant in open fields. Hawthorns are also known for their medicinal properties. Harry hawthorn has been used traditionally for treating conditions such as cardiac problems, digestive issues, and high blood pressure.
Light Requirements
Crataegus jonesiae Sarg. var. harryi (Sarg.) Kruschke prefers to be grown in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. In shaded areas, the plant may grow slower and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is hardy in USDA zones 6-8 and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It grows best in temperatures between 60-80°F (15-26°C). In winter, the plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -15°F (-26°C) if it is protected from harsh winds.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus jonesiae Sarg. var. harryi (Sarg.) Kruschke prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soils. The soil should have a pH range of 5.5-6.5. It can adapt to different types of soils but prefers loamy or sandy soils that are rich in organic matter.
It is important to avoid waterlogged or overly dry soils as this can affect the growth and health of the plant. Adding compost or other organic matter to the soil can improve its structure and fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus jonesiae Sarg. var. harryi (Sarg.) Kruschke, also known as Harry’s hawthorn or ironwood, is a hardy plant that can grow in various soil types and light conditions. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, making it an ideal plant for gardens or landscapes with varying light conditions. When planting, make sure to provide enough space for the plant to grow and spread its branches.
Watering Needs
Crataegus jonesiae Sarg. var. harryi (Sarg.) Kruschke requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry seasons. The plant prefers moist soil, but make sure not to overwater as this may cause root rot. The best way to water this plant is to do it deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out a bit before the next watering session.
Fertilization
Due to its hardiness, Crataegus jonesiae Sarg. var. harryi (Sarg.) Kruschke does not require much fertilization. However, applying fertilizer once a year during the spring season can help improve its growth and overall health. Use a general-purpose fertilizer and follow the package instructions for the right amount to apply.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of Crataegus jonesiae Sarg. var. harryi (Sarg.) Kruschke. Prune the plant during the dormant season or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and suckers that grow at the base of the plant. Also, trim any crossing or overcrowded branches to improve air circulation and prevent disease and pest infestations.
Propagation of Crataegus jonesiae Sarg. var. harryi (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus jonesiae Sarg. var. harryi (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as Harry's hawthorn, is a small tree that is native to the United States. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Harry's hawthorn can be propagated using seeds collected from ripe fruit in the fall. The seeds should be stratified in the refrigerator for 30-60 days before planting in the spring. They can be sown directly in the ground or started indoors in pots. Germination can take up to a year, and the resulting seedlings may require 2-3 years of growth before they are large enough to transplant.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagation is through softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken in late spring or early summer, while semi-hardwood cuttings are taken in late summer or early fall. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and be about 6 inches long, with at least two nodes. They can be rooted in a well-drained growing medium and kept in a humid environment until they develop roots. This method of propagation usually results in plants with characteristics identical to the parent plant.
Grafting Propagation
Harry's hawthorn cultivars can be propagated through grafting onto rootstocks of other hawthorn species. This method of propagation ensures that the resulting plant will have the same characteristics as the parent cultivar.
Disease Management
Crataegus jonesiae Sarg. var. harryi (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as Harry hawthorn, can be susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Fungal Leaf Spot: Symptoms of this disease may include yellow, brown, or black spots on the leaves. To manage, remove infected leaves from the plant and destroy them. Ensure the plant is watered in the morning, giving the leaves a chance to dry before nighttime.
- Cedar-Apple Rust: This disease causes yellow spots on the leaves and produces orange-colored spots on the fruit. To control cedar-apple rust, remove all infected galls from the plant and cedar tree. Also, use recommended fungicides to manage it.
- Fire Blight: Fire blight is a bacterial disease that affects the leaves, fruit, branches, and flowers of Harry hawthorn. It causes them to wilt and turn black or brown. To manage fire blight, prune out diseased branches, apply copper bactericides, and clean gardening tools before and after each cut.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease first affects the leaves of Harry hawthorn and causes small brown or black spots on them. To manage it, remove affected leaves and apply a fungicide recommended for anthracnose.
Pest Management
Harry hawthorn can also attract various pests, such as:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites usually attack the leaves and cause them to appear discolored and speckled. To manage them, spray the plant with water to remove them or use an insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: Aphids feed on the sap of Harry hawthorn and cause the leaves to become deformed and yellow. To control aphids, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other recommended insecticides.
- Scale Insects: Scale insects attach themselves to the stems of Harry hawthorn and suck the sap from them. This causes the plant to become stunted, weaken, and produce less fruit. To manage scale insects, prune out infested branches and use insecticides recommended for scale.
- Japanese Beetles: Japanese beetles feed on the leaves of Harry hawthorn, causing them to turn brown and wilt. To manage them, handpick or use a recommended insecticide.
Regular cleaning of the garden and ensuring proper air circulation around the plant can go a long way in preventing the onset and spread of disease and pests in Harry hawthorn.
