Origin
Crataegus lecta Sarg., commonly known as the Blackhaw, is a plant species that originated in the Southeastern United States. The plant thrives in moist soils in woodlands or along the edges of wooded areas, particularly in areas near streams. It has been widely cultivated and is commonly found in landscaping as an ornamental plant.
Common Names
Aside from the Blackhaw, Crataegus Lecta Sarg. is also known as the Staghorn Sumac, Downy Hawthorn, and Parsley Hawthorn. The common name Blackhaw comes from the plant's distinctive dark, bluish-black berries that appear in the autumn.
Uses
The Blackhaw plant has a long history of medical uses. The fruit and leaves have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, hypertension, and heart disease. The fruit is also used in jams, jellies, and liquors, while the bark and wood of the Blackhaw have been used to make tools, furniture, and even weapons in the past.
General Appearance
The Crataegus lecta Sarg. is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows up to 20 feet tall. It has a dense, rounded canopy and a generally irregular shape. The Blackhaw's leaves are dark green, sharply toothed, and oval-shaped. In the spring, the plant is covered in clusters of white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. By summer, the flowers give way to clusters of small, red berries that eventually turn dark blue-black in the fall. The plant's bark is grey, smooth, and develops shallow fissures as it ages.
Light Requirements
Crataegus lecta Sarg. requires full or partial sunlight for healthy growth. The plant generally needs at least 6 hours of sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -29°C during winter dormancy. During the growing season, the optimal temperature range for the plant is between 15°C to 30°C. The plant prefers a cooler temperature range and can suffer heat stress if exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil. The ideal soil pH level for Crataegus lecta Sarg. is between 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can grow in a wide range of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, it prefers loamy soil types. The plant can tolerate dry soil conditions but requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth.
Cultivation methods for Crataegus lecta Sarg.
Crataegus lecta Sarg. is a wonderful plant to add to any garden and can be easily grown from seeds or cuttings. The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.5, and it can tolerate some drought but not waterlogging.
You can grow the Crataegus lecta Sarg. plant in a full-sun or partially-shaded area, depending on your preference. In hotter climates, it is advisable to plant the shrub in partial shade to protect it from direct sunlight. In contrast, in cooler climates, a spot with full sun will help it grow better.
Watering needs for Crataegus lecta Sarg.
The Crataegus lecta Sarg. plant requires regular watering during the first year of growth to help establish roots. After that, the plant can tolerate some drought, but it is best to water it frequently during hot and dry spells. Keep in mind not to over-water the plant as it is susceptible to root rot.
The best way to water the plant is to soak the soil around the roots, making sure it is moist but not waterlogged. During the winter season, you can cut back on watering as the plant goes into a dormant stage.
Fertilization of Crataegus lecta Sarg.
A balanced fertilizer can be added to the soil during the spring season to enhance the growth of the Crataegus lecta Sarg. plant. The fertilizer should be applied to the base of the plant, and you should follow the instructions on the packet, depending on whether you're using a chemical or organic fertilizer.
The plant doesn't require too much fertilizer, and over-fertilizing can, in fact, harm it. As such, it's best to apply a light fertilizer dosage several times a year instead of an intense amount during one fertilizer application.
Pruning of Crataegus lecta Sarg.
Pruning the Crataegus lecta Sarg. plant will stimulate new growth and encourage it to continue flowering. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season, which is winter.
When pruning, start by removing any dead or diseased wood, then prune the plant to shape, removing any branches that cross or those that disrupt the plant's shape. It is advisable not to prune more than 1/3 of the plant's growth in one pruning session. Remember to use a sharp and sanitized pruning tool to prevent the spread of potential diseases.
Propagation Methods for Crataegus lecta Sarg.
Crataegus lecta Sarg., commonly known as the broadleaf hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a beautiful ornamental plant that is usually propagated by seed and hardwood cuttings. The following are some propagation methods for Crataegus lecta Sarg.:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Crataegus lecta Sarg. by seed is relatively easy. Collect the fresh seeds in autumn, clean them, and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. The planted seeds need to be stratified, which is the process of exposing the seeds to cold temperatures to mimic the winter season. This process is important as it helps to break the seed dormancy and stimulate germination. For Crataegus lecta Sarg., stratification can be achieved by placing the seeds in a plastic bag with a moist medium and refrigerating them for at least 90 days.
Hardwood Cutting Propagation
Propagation by hardwood cuttings is another viable method for Crataegus lecta Sarg. Taking the cuttings from the plant is best done during winter dormancy, using hardwood that is about pencil-thickness. Cut the hardwood into 6 to 9-inch sections, and remove all the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone (if desired), and insert them into a well-draining soil mix. It is recommended to place a clear plastic bag over the cuttings to create a mini greenhouse and provide enough moisture until rooting occurs. It usually takes about six months for the cutting roots to develop. After six months, check if the cutting has rooted, and then gradually expose it to outdoor conditions.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is an optional method of propagating Crataegus lecta Sarg. This process involves selecting a healthy stem on the plant, then peeling a small section of bark off the stem and then wrapping it in moist sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. Roots will form at the peeled section, and then the rooted section of the stem can be cut away from the parent prior to planting it. This method is for a more advanced gardener who knows how to properly perform air layering.
Propagation of Crataegus lecta Sarg. can be done using various methods, although the success of propagation depends on several factors such as timing, temperature, humidity, and soil type. A healthy growing plant adds beauty to a landscape. Gardeners can use this information to propagate more of these lovely ornamental shrubs.
Disease Management
The plant Crataegus lecta Sarg. is susceptible to a few common diseases. Here are a few:
- Fire blight - This typically affects the trees' young, actively growing shoots causing them to turn brown and bend over in the shape of a shepherd's crook. To manage fire blight, prune out infected tissue (at least 8 inches) during the growing season or dormant season. Ensure to sanitize pruning equipment between each cut with 10% bleach solution or rubbing alcohol.
- Rust - Rust fungi typically cause discolored spots or streaks on leaves. To manage rust, provide adequate air circulation around the tree, remove infected leaves from the ground, and prune infected branches before they produce spores.
- Leaf spot diseases - Leaf spot diseases cause circular spots on the leaves' surface. They are primarily caused by fungal pathogens. To manage leaf spot diseases, effectively manage tree stressors such as improper pruning, low soil pH levels, and low light levels. Also, rake up and remove infected leaves from around the tree because the fungal pathogen can overwinter in diseased leaves.
Pest Management
Crataegus lecta Sarg. is also susceptible to pests. Here are a few pests to watch out for:
- Mites - Mites cause stippling damage to the leaves of the trees, leaving them with a mottled look. To manage mites, spray the tree with a forceful stream of water to reduce their populations, edges of the leaves where mites are feeding, spray the tree with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil in early spring before new growth begins.
- Apple maggot flies - These pests attack the fruit of the trees, causing it to look dimpled and discolored. To manage apple maggot flies, wrap each fruit with a piece of fine netting or paper bag before they start laying eggs.
- Codling moths - They are a common pest of trees in the rose family causing damage to the fruit. To manage codling moths, use pheromone traps to capture adult moths. Also, keep the ground around the tree free of infested fruit as the larvae will pupate in the soil for up to two years.
It's important to regularly monitor the Crataegus lecta Sarg. trees for any signs of diseases or pests and to act swiftly to manage and control the problem before it gets out of hand.
