Overview of Crataegus locuples Sarg.
Crataegus locuples Sarg. is a species of flowering plant native to North America, specifically to the eastern regions of the United States and Canada. The plant belongs to the Rosaceae family and is commonly referred to by its various common names, which include black hawthorn, thornapple, and hawberry.
The Appearance of Crataegus locuples Sarg.
The black hawthorn is a small deciduous tree or shrub that can grow up to 9 meters tall. Its bark is grayish-brown, and its branches are spiny. The leaves are broadly ovate and have serrated margins and a glossy dark green color. The plant produces small, white, and 5-petaled flowers from May to June, which give way to small spherical fruits that have a diameter of approximately 10 mm.
Uses of Crataegus locuples Sarg.
Crataegus locuples Sarg. has a long history of use in traditional medicine for various purposes. The plant's bark, roots, and fruits contain bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, triterpenes, and oligomeric procyanidins, that have been attributed to its medicinal properties. The black hawthorn has been used to treat various conditions, including menstrual cramps, diarrhea, indigestion, and heart problems.
The plant's extracts have been found to have cardiotonic effects and can help dilate blood vessels, supporting blood flow and reducing the risk of heart diseases. The black hawthorn has also been used to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation.
Aside from its medicinal properties, Crataegus locuples Sarg. also has some ornamental value due to its fragrant flowers and vibrant fall foliage. The plant is sometimes grown in gardens and as hedge plants.
In conclusion, Crataegus locuples Sarg. is a useful plant with various benefits that range from its medicinal properties to its ornamental value. Its long and diverse history of use in traditional medicine is a testament to its effectiveness and potency.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus locuples Sarg. plant prefers to grow in full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is known to thrive in a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand temperatures as low as -23°C (-9.4°F) in winter and as high as 35°C (95°F) in summer. However, the optimal temperature range for this plant is between 18°C (64.4°F) to 27°C (80.6°F).
Soil Requirements
Crataegus locuples Sarg. grows well in loamy, well-drained soils that have a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. The soil must be rich in nutrients and have good organic matter. It can also tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soils. However, it must be noted that this plant does not do well in waterlogged soil or poorly drained soils.
Cultivation Methods:
Crataegus locuples Sarg., commonly known as the Washington hawthorn, is a beautiful ornamental tree that can grow up to 25 ft in height. It is relatively easy to cultivate and can adapt to a wide range of soils and climates. The tree prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate mildly acidic or alkaline soils as well. It should be planted in an area with full to partial sunlight exposure.
Watering Needs:
Crataegus locuples Sarg. has moderate water requirements and should be watered regularly until it establishes. Afterward, it can tolerate some drought conditions, but it still needs to be watered occasionally, especially during prolonged dry periods. The tree should be watered deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the soil to the root zone.
Fertilization:
Crataegus locuples Sarg. requires minimal fertilization. A light fertilization in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer can improve its growth and overall health. Alternatively, compost can be applied as a natural source of nutrients to the soil around the base of the tree.
Pruning:
Crataegus locuples Sarg. requires minimal pruning. Prunning should only be done to remove dead wood, damaged branches, or to shape the tree's form. It is best to prune the tree in late winter or early spring before the start of the growing season. Any cuts made should be clean and made at a 45-degree angle to prevent water accumulation and disease.
Propagation of Crataegus locuples Sarg.
Propagation of Crataegus locuples Sarg. can be done by seeds or vegetative methods like cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds can be sown in the fall in a well-draining potting mix. The pot can be kept in a sheltered area during winter. In spring, the pot can be moved to a sunny location and watered regularly. The seedlings can be transplanted into larger containers or into the ground after they have developed strong roots.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from a healthy plant in summer when the stems are not too soft nor too hard. A 6-inch cutting with a few leaves can be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in moist potting mix. The pot can be covered with a plastic bag and kept in a shaded location with high humidity. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger container or into the ground.
Propagation by Layering
Layering can be done in spring or fall. A low-growing branch can be bent to the ground, and a section of the branch can be buried in the soil. A small cut can be made on the buried section to encourage rooting. Once the roots have developed, the new plant can be separated from the original plant and transplanted into a new location.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting can be done in spring when the bark slips easily. A scion of the desired cultivar can be grafted onto a rootstock of a closely related species or variety of Crataegus. The graft can be wrapped with grafting tape and kept in a humid location until the graft has taken. Once the graft has taken and started to grow, the tape can be removed, and the plant can be transplanted into a larger container or into the ground.
Disease Management:
Crataegus locuples Sarg. is prone to several diseases such as fire blight, leaf spots, powdery mildew, and apple scab. Fire blight is a severe bacterial disease that affects the tree's blossoms, leaves, twigs, and fruits. The best prevention method is to prune the affected branches at least 12 inches below the infected area and dispose of them immediately. Leaf spots are caused by fungi and can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and cleaning up dead leaves and debris around the plant. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can be avoided by keeping the plant in full sun, ensuring good air circulation, and using fungicides when necessary. Apple scab is also a fungal disease that causes black spots on the leaves and fruit. To prevent it, remove fallen leaves and fruits in autumn, and use fungicide if necessary.
Pest Management:
The common pests that attack Crataegus locuples Sarg. are aphids, tent caterpillars, and mites. Aphids suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and wilt. The best management practice for aphids is to introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, or use insecticidal soap. Tent caterpillars can defoliate the tree if left uncontrolled. Handpicking the caterpillars and destroying their nests is an effective way to manage them. Mites are tiny pests that suck moisture from the leaves, causing them to dry out and drop prematurely. Using insecticidal soap or horticultural oils can provide good control for mites.
