The Crataegus lepida Beadle Plant
Also known as the Beaked Hawthorn, Crataegus lepida Beadle is a species of shrub in the rose family Rosaceae. The plant is native to the United States, primarily found in the northwestern region, particularly in Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming.
Common Names
The Beaked Hawthorn plant has several common names, including the hip hawthorn, river haw, and beaked thorn.
Uses
Crataegus lepida Beadle has been used in traditional medicine as an herbal remedy for heart disease, hypertension, and digestive issues. The plant's fruit and leaves are edible and have been used to make jellies and teas.
Moreover, the plant has been used for erosion control purposes due to its ability to form dense thickets, which can help stabilize soil along riverbanks and other vulnerable areas. The plant is also used for ornamental purposes, particularly for landscaping projects in parks and gardens.
General Appearance
Crataegus lepida Beadle typically grows as a thorny shrub or small tree, reaching a mature height of 10 to 25 feet and a width of about 10 to 20 feet. The plant has a rounded shape and dense branching with sharp, brownish-gray thorns. Its serrated leaves are glossy green, and its white or pink flowers bloom in late spring, giving way to red or dark purple fruit in autumn.
The Beaked Hawthorn's bark is grayish-brown, with vertically elongated furrows and slightly raised fissures. Its wood is hard, dense, and fine-grained, making it suitable for carving and turning.
Light requirements
Crataegus lepida typically prefers full sun to partially shaded areas. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure proper growth and development. Lack of access to sunlight results in slow growth and poor flowering.
Temperature requirements
The plant is commonly found in the western regions of North America wherein it is exposed to environmental conditions that can range from extreme cold to hot temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures in the range of -30°C to 40°C. It is important to note that the plant is dormant in the winter and requires a period of chilling. This allows for proper growth and flowering when the temperatures rise in spring.
Soil requirements
The plant can thrive in a variety of soils but prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate drought but thrives in soil that is consistently moist. The use of good-quality compost or well-aged manure can help improve the soil quality and provide adequate nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus lepida Beadle, also known as Beadle's Hawthorn, is an ideal ornamental plant for your garden or parks. It is a shrub plant that can grow up to six feet tall, and it thrives in USDA Zones 3-8. If you're planning to cultivate this plant, it's best to choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade exposure.
You can propagate Beadle's Hawthorn through seeds, layering, cuttings, or suckers. The most effective way to propagate this plant is through cuttings. You should take the cuttings during the early summer seasons and grow them in a well-draining soil mixture until they establish root systems. You can transplant them into your garden after a year.
Watering Needs
Like many shrub plants, Beadle's Hawthorn requires moderate watering to thrive. It's best to water the plant when the soil is dry to a depth of 2-3 inches. The frequency of watering depends on the season and the location of the plant. During hot and dry weather conditions, you should water the plant more frequently, maybe twice a week.
In the winter months, you should reduce watering and only check on the plant's soil when it's dry to a depth of 4 inches. Overwatering the plant can cause root rot, and underwatering can lead to wilting and stunted growth.
Fertilization
Crataegus lepida Beadle requires fertilization to develop strong roots, stems, and leaves. You should fertilize the plant during the early spring and late summers just before the growing season begins. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 NPK, and follow the instructions on the packaging. Overfertilizing the plant can lead to overgrowth, which can crowd the plant's root system and affect its growth adversely.
Pruning
Regular pruning is vital to ensure that the Beadle's Hawthorn plant maintains its shape and size. You should prune the plant during the late winter or early spring before the growing season begins. Remove all dead, broken, or diseased branches, and cut some of the larger stems to promote bushier growth.
Ensure that you use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. Avoid pruning the plant too much or too late in the season, as this can affect the plant's flowering and fruiting. With proper pruning, the Beadle's Hawthorn plant can maintain its beauty and provide a stunning landscape for your garden or parks.
Propagation of Crataegus lepida Beadle
Crataegus lepida Beadle, also known as Beadle's hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to the western United States. It is an attractive ornamental plant that produces showy white flowers in the spring, followed by clusters of red berries in the fall. Propagation of this plant is relatively easy, and there are several methods that can be used to propagate it.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Crataegus lepida Beadle by seeds is the most common method. The seeds can be collected from ripe fruits in the fall and sown immediately, or they can be stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring. Seeds require a cold stratification period for germination, which can be achieved by placing them in a moist medium in the refrigerator for several weeks before sowing. Once germinated, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots and grown until they are large enough for outdoor planting.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Crataegus lepida Beadle can also be done by taking hardwood or softwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings are taken in the fall or winter, while softwood cuttings are taken in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and have at least two nodes. They can be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining medium. After planting, the cuttings should be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a greenhouse to maintain high humidity. Once they have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown until they are large enough for outdoor planting.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation of Crataegus lepida Beadle can also be done by layering. This method involves bending a low-hanging branch to the ground and burying a portion of it in soil. The buried portion should be wounded and treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The branch should be held in place with a stake, and the tip of the branch should be left above ground. Once roots have developed, the branch can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted into its permanent location.
Overall, Crataegus lepida Beadle is a relatively easy plant to propagate, and there are several methods that can be used to propagate it. Gardeners and landscapers can use any of these methods to propagate this attractive plant for their gardens or landscapes.
Disease Management
Crataegus lepida Beadle, commonly known as Beadle's Hawthorn, is susceptible to various diseases that can adversely affect its growth and health. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Cedar-Apple Rust: This disease causes orange spots on the leaves, which eventually leads to defoliation. The disease is typically spread through junipers, so it's essential to remove nearby junipers to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
- Fire Blight: This bacterial disease affects the plant's twigs and branches, causing them to wilt and turn black. Prune infected areas and dispose of them immediately to prevent the disease's spread to other parts of the plant or nearby plants.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes circular brown spots on the leaves. The disease spreads through infected leaves, so it's essential to remove infected leaves and clean up fallen leaves from around the plant. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Pest Management
Several pests can infest Crataegus lepida Beadle and cause damage to the plant. The most common pests that affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and distort. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can chew on the leaves, causing defoliation. Handpick and remove visible caterpillars, or use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) to control the pests.
- Scale Insects: These pests attach themselves to the leaves, sucking sap from the plant. Use horticultural oil to control the pests.
Regular inspection of the plant can help detect signs of disease and infestation early, allowing for quick action to prevent further damage. Maintaining proper cultural practices such as regular watering and fertilization can also help keep the plant healthy and more able to resist disease and pest infestation.
