Overview
Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. (pro sp.), commonly known as Laney hawthorn, is a hybrid plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a small deciduous tree that is widely cultivated for its landscape appeal, as well as for its medicinal properties.
Origin and Common Names
Crataegus ×laneyi is a hybrid of Crataegus phaenopyrum (Washington hawthorn) and Crataegus punctata (dotted hawthorn). It was first discovered in 1892 by George H. Laney, a horticulturist from Pennsylvania. The plant is commonly known as Laney hawthorn and is often referred to as Washington hawthorn or dotted hawthorn, depending on its physical characteristics.
Uses
Laney hawthorn is primarily used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive appearance. Its small size, glossy green leaves, and beautiful clusters of white flowers make it a popular choice for landscaping, especially as a shrub or small tree.
The plant also possesses medicinal properties and is used as a natural remedy for several health conditions. The bark, leaves, and flowers of Laney hawthorn contain bioactive compounds that have been shown to promote cardiovascular health, regulate blood pressure, and aid in digestion.
General Appearance
Laney hawthorn is a small, multi-branched tree that typically grows to a height of 20 feet and a width of 15 feet. It has a rounded, symmetrical shape and a dense canopy of glossy green leaves that turn orange-red in the fall. The plant blooms in late spring or early summer with clusters of small white flowers, followed by small red fruit that attracts birds and other wildlife. The bark is gray-brown and smooth, with numerous small thorns along the branches and trunk.
Overall, Laney hawthorn is an attractive and versatile plant that is both aesthetically pleasing and beneficial to human health.
Light Requirements
Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. (pro sp.) typically requires full sun to part shade for optimal growth. It is best to plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with hot summers, some shade during the afternoon may be necessary to prevent leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is generally hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, with minimum winter temperatures ranging from -30°F to 20°F (-34°C to -7°C). However, it prefers cooler temperatures in the range of 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C) for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. (pro sp.) can grow in a variety of soil types but prefers well-drained loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7.0. It is important to avoid soils with poor drainage as they can lead to root rot. Adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure to the soil can improve soil structure and fertility.
Cultivation
The Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. is a deciduous tree that is relatively easy to cultivate. It prefers growing in well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral in pH. These trees can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, which makes them good candidates for growing in a wide range of locations.
Starting from seed is possible, but it is much easier to propagate through cuttings or through a purchased sapling. Plant the sapling in spring or fall, making sure to dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the root ball and give it plenty of room to grow. Water the tree well after planting and cover the soil with a layer of mulch to retain moisture.
Watering Needs
Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. trees need regular watering, particularly during the first year after planting. Water deeply and thoroughly, making sure the soil is moistened down to the root ball. During the summer months, give the tree a deep watering once or twice a week, depending on the weather. To avoid waterlogging the soil, make sure the soil drains well before watering again.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization can help Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. trees grow properly and produce an abundant harvest. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to provide essential nutrients. During the growing season, add a balanced fertilizer to the soil to promote growth and fruit production.
It is essential to avoid over-fertilizing, so follow the instructions on the package, and do not apply more than recommended. Over-fertilizing can cause the tree to grow too fast, weaken it, and make it susceptible to diseases.
Pruning
Pruning Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. trees is essential to promote healthy growth and maintain its shape. Prune during the dormant season in late winter to early spring, making sure to remove any dead or damaged wood first. Thin out any crossing or crowded branches to allow light and air to reach the center of the tree. Cut back any diseased wood to healthy growth.
In the third year, start shaping the tree by pruning the top back to create a desirable shape. This will encourage the tree to produce lateral branches and create a better shape. Prune regularly to maintain its form and remove any damaged or diseased wood.
Propagation of Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg.
Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. can be propagated through both seed and vegetative methods. The propagation of Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. is relatively easy and the methods mentioned below can be followed.
Propagation from seed
Propagation from seed is the simplest and most common method for propagating Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. Collect the seeds when they are mature and sow them in late autumn or early winter. The seeds need stratification before planting. This can be achieved by placing the seeds in a moist medium such as peat or sand at a temperature of 33-41°F (0.5-5°C) for 60-120 days. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a potting mix and kept in a warm, humid location until they germinate.
Propagation from cuttings
Propagation from cuttings is another popular method of propagating Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. Cuttings can be taken during the spring or summer from semi-hardwood or hardwood growth. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and have at least three nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, then dip the bottom end into rooting hormone. Insert the cutting into a container filled with a moistened rooting mix and place it in a warm, humid environment. After a few weeks, the cuttings should start developing roots. Once a good root system has developed, transplant the cutting into a potting mix.
Air-layering
Air-layering is a technique to propagate Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. where a stem is wrapped with damp peat moss and then covered with a plastic wrap. New roots develop from the stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. Once the new roots have developed, the stem can be cut off the parent plant and planted in a potting mix.
Disease Management
Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. is susceptible to a few diseases that can affect its growth and yield.
Fire Blight
Fire blight is a common bacterial disease that affects Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. It causes the leaves and branches to turn brown and die. To manage this disease, you can prune the infected areas and apply copper fungicides to prevent future infection. Make sure to dispose of the infected branches properly to avoid spreading the disease.
Cedar-Apple Rust
Cedar-apple rust is a fungal disease that affects Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. It causes yellow or orange spots on the leaves and can also affect the fruit. To manage this disease, you can apply fungicides containing myclobutanil or propiconazole. You can also remove cedar trees from your yard as they can act as a host for the disease.
Pest Management
Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. is also prone to some pests that can damage its leaves and fruits.
Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles are a common pest that can feed on the leaves and fruits of Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. To manage this pest, you can use insecticides containing carbaryl or pyrethrins. You can also try planting repellent plants such as catnip or marigolds around the area to keep the beetles away.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that can suck the sap from the leaves and fruits of Crataegus ×laneyi Sarg. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also encourage natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to control the aphid population.
