Overview
Crataegus limaria Sarg., also known as Limber hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the rose family Rosaceae. It is native to the eastern and central regions of North America, including the Appalachian Mountains from Maine to Alabama.
Common Names
Aside from Limber hawthorn, this plant is also commonly referred to as woolly hawthorn, softleaf hawthorn, or small-leaved hawthorn. These names mainly refer to the plant's characteristics, including the soft hairs on its leaves, or the small size of its leaves.
Uses
The Limber hawthorn has various uses, including as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and showy white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. In addition, its small red fruits, called haws, can be consumed raw or cooked and are often used in making jams, jellies, and pies. The plant's wood is also dense and hard, making it useful for tool handles, fence posts, and firewood.
General Appearance
The Limber hawthorn can grow up to 20 feet in height, with a similar spread. It usually develops several trunks or stems, with a rounded crown and irregular branching. The leaves are oval and 1 to 2 inches long, with a soft or woolly texture and serrated edges. The plant's flowers are white, sometimes pink, and have a distinctive odor. The fruits it bears are small, red, and berry-like, measuring around 0.5 inches in diameter.
Light Requirements
Crataegus limaria Sarg. requires full to partial sunlight exposure for optimum growth and development. It can tolerate shade but may result in stunted growth and reduced fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Crataegus limaria Sarg. is between 18°C to 25°C. It can tolerate temperature fluctuations and can survive winter dormancy periods as low as -40°C in some regions.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus limaria Sarg. prefers well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soils or soils with a high salt content.
Cultivation Methods of Crataegus limaria Sarg.
Crataegus limaria Sarg., commonly known as Limber Hawthorn, is a deciduous tree that is generally cultivated from seeds or 1-2-year-old saplings. For cultivation, select a site with well-drained soil that receives full sunlight or partial shade. It is essential to prepare the soil by loosening it and supplementing it with organic matter such as compost or manure to boost the nutrient level. Plant the saplings or seeds in spring or fall at a depth twice the diameter of the root ball.
Watering Needs for Crataegus limaria Sarg.
Limber Hawthorn tree requires moderate watering until it is established, after which it can tolerate both drought and excessive moisture to some degree. In the hot and dry season, especially in the first two growing seasons, frequently watering is essential to facilitate the growth and establishment of the tree. Nonetheless, avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other waterlogging issues.
Fertilization of Crataegus limaria Sarg.
During the growing season, fertilize the tree with balanced fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is advisable to administer the fertilizer two to three times a year, depending on the tree's growth rate. In addition, you may add an organic mulch layer around the tree's base to provide a slow-release source of nitrogen and other essential nutrients to the soil.
Pruning of Crataegus limaria Sarg.
The limber hawthorn tree requires minimal pruning intervention besides the removal of dead and diseased branches. Pruning is best carried out in late winter or early spring before the onset of the growing season. Avoid cutting more than a third of the tree's overall size, as this may stunt its growth or result in the production of multiple water sprouts from the trunk.
Propagation of Crataegus limaria Sarg.
Crataegus limaria Sarg., or the Dwarf Hawthorn, is a deciduous plant commonly found in North America. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds requires stratification, which means exposing the seeds to a cold and moist environment for a certain period before sowing. This allows the seeds to break dormancy and germinate successfully. Seeds can be sown in seedbeds or containers in late fall or early spring. The soil should be well-drained, and the seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Cuttings
Softwood or hardwood cuttings can be used to propagate Crataegus limaria Sarg. Softwood cuttings are taken in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still tender, while hardwood cuttings are taken in late fall or winter when the plant is dormant. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long, with a few pairs of leaves. The leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting. Cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil, and kept in a humid environment until roots develop.
Grafting and Budding
Grafting and budding are advanced techniques that require some knowledge and skills. They involve joining a scion of a desired plant onto a rootstock of a different plant, to obtain the desired traits. Grafting can be done in early to mid-spring, while budding is done in late summer. The success of grafting and budding depends on the compatibility of the scion and rootstock, and the skill and care of the propagator.
Overall, Crataegus limaria Sarg. can be successfully propagated through seeds, cuttings, grafting, or budding.
Disease management for Crataegus limaria Sarg.
Crateagus limaria Sarg. is susceptible to several fungal and bacterial diseases that can weaken and even kill the plant. Some of the common diseases that may affect the plant are:
- Cedar-hawthorn rust: This disease is caused by a fungus called Gymnosporangium globosum and is characterized by yellow spots on the leaves, which later turn red and form pustules. The spores released by the pustules infect the cedar tree hosts and the cycle repeats. To manage this disease, remove any infected leaves and twigs and prune the cedar trees nearby.
- Cedar-quince rust: This disease is similar to Cedar-hawthorn rust, but it affects quince and apple trees as well. The symptoms are the same, and the management involves the same methods as for Cedar-hawthorn rust.
- Fire blight: This bacterial disease is caused by Erwinia amylovora and can be identified by a blackening of the shoots, followed by wilting and death of the plant. To manage this disease, prune infected branches as soon as possible and disinfect the pruning tools.
Pest management for Crataegus limaria Sarg.
Several pests can attack the foliage and fruit of Crataegus limaria Sarg., leading to a weakened plant and reduced yield. Some of the common pests that can affect this plant are:
- Apple maggot fly: This fly lays eggs on the fruit, and the larvae tunnel into it, causing damage. To manage this pest, hang red spheres coated with a sticky substance near the plant to trap the flies, and remove any damaged fruit.
- Japanese beetle: This beetle feeds on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the plant, causing defoliation and reduced yield. To manage this pest, handpick the beetles or use insecticidal soap.
- Hawthorn lace bug: This bug feeds on the underside of the leaves, causing a stippled appearance and premature leaf drop. To manage this pest, prune any dense growth that may provide a hiding place for the bugs, and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
