Description of Crataegus mackenziei Sarg. var. bracteata (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus mackenziei Sarg. var. bracteata (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as Mackenzie's hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family, which is native to North America.
General Appearance
The Mackenzie's hawthorn typically grows up to a height of 5-12 feet and has a spread of about 8-15 feet. The shrub has a dense, rounded crown and a thick trunk that becomes gnarled with age. The bark is grey-brown in color and smooth when young, but later becomes rough with scaly ridges. The leaves are dark green, lobed, and have a glossy finish.
In the spring, the Mackenzie's hawthorn produces showy white or pink flowers in clusters that attract bees and other pollinators. The flowers are followed by small, bright red fruits that are edible but not commonly consumed by humans due to their astringent taste.
Uses
The Mackenzie's hawthorn is valued for its ornamental qualities and is often planted in gardens and landscapes as a specimen plant or as a hedge. The plant is also used by wildlife as a source of food and shelter.
In traditional medicine, the hawthorn is used to treat various ailments such as cardiovascular problems, anxiety, and digestive issues. Studies have shown that compounds present in the plant have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect against various diseases.
Overall, Mackenzie's hawthorn is a beautiful and useful plant with both ornamental and medicinal value.
Light Requirements
Crataegus mackenziei Sarg. var. bracteata (Sarg.) Palmer is a plant that thrives in full sunlight. It is important that the plant has access to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. Without enough sunlight, the plant becomes stunted and has a poor growth rate.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in areas with a cool climate. The ideal temperature range for the plant to grow is between 60°F to 70°F. When the temperature rises above 80°F, the plant may experience heat stress leading to reduced growth. Similarly, when the temperature drops below 50°F, there is a risk of frost damage.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus mackenziei Sarg. var. bracteata (Sarg.) Palmer grows in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. Ideally, the soil pH for the plant should range from neutral to slightly acidic. The plant also requires good air circulation to avoid the build-up of fungal diseases. It is important to avoid waterlogged soils as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Crataegus mackenziei Sarg. var. bracteata (Sarg.) Palmer is a hardy tree species that is relatively easy to cultivate. Its cultivation requires a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in areas that receive partial to full sunlight.
The tree can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. However, growing the tree from seeds is the best option as it ensures that the resulting tree will be genetically diverse.
Watering needs
Crataegus mackenziei Sarg. var. bracteata (Sarg.) Palmer prefers moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Watering should be done deeply to allow the roots to absorb the water efficiently. However, excessive watering can cause the tree to develop root rot.
The tree should be watered at least once a week, depending on the climate and soil type. During the dry seasons, the frequency of watering may need to be increased.
Fertilization
The tree should be fertilized at least once a year, preferably in early spring. The preferred fertilizer is slow-release organic fertilizer, which can be applied around the base of the tree.
Alternatively, a balanced N:P:K fertilizer can be used, with the ratio of 10-10-10 being the most preferred. However, excessive use of chemical fertilizers can lead to the accumulation of salts that can damage the roots of the tree.
Pruning
Pruning crataegus mackenziei Sarg. var. bracteata (Sarg.) Palmer should be done during the dormant season. The tree should be pruned to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Pruning is also done to shape the tree and encourage the growth of strong and healthy branches.
Avoid over-pruning the tree as it can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to diseases and pests. The pruning equipment should be sharp and sanitized to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Crataegus mackenziei Sarg. var. bracteata (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus mackenziei Sarg. var. bracteata (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly referred to as the MacKenzie hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to North America. Propagation of this plant can be done by various methods.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method used to propagate Crataegus mackenziei Sarg. var. bracteata. Seeds should be collected from ripe fruits in the fall and cleaned before sowing. Sowing should be done in early spring by placing the seeds 1 cm deep in a seedbed or a pot. Germination typically occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is also a viable method for Crataegus mackenziei Sarg. var. bracteata. Softwood cuttings taken in June or July with at least two nodes have the highest success rates. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then placed in a mixture of peat moss and sand. The container should be kept in a warm, humid area until rooting occurs, which usually takes about 6-8 weeks. Hardwood cuttings can also be rooted in the winter with similar steps.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is a method suitable for Crataegus mackenziei Sarg. var. bracteata as well. This is done by bending a flexible branch to the ground and burying a section in the soil. A U-shaped cut should be made to the buried part of the branch to encourage rooting. The branch should be misted regularly and left undisturbed for up to a year for the roots to develop. Afterward, the rooted branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus mackenziei Sarg. var. bracteata (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus mackenziei Sarg. var. bracteata (Sarg.) Palmer, also known as Mackenzie's hawthorn or pink hawthorn, is generally a hardy plant, known for its tolerance to a range of soil types and conditions. However, like any plant, it may be vulnerable to certain pests and diseases.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases to affect Crataegus mackenziei is rust. Rust can cause yellow or orange spots on leaves and is typically caused by fungal spores. When infected leaves drop, the spores are spread to other areas. Additionally, fire blight, a bacterial disease, can cause wilted leaves, blackened twigs, and stunted growth. Powdery mildew can also develop, covering plants with a white, powdery substance.
Management of Diseases
One way to manage rust is by using fungicides, such as copper fungicides. It is important to apply the fungicides at the right time according to the manufacturer's instructions. Fire blight is more difficult to control but prevention can be achieved by using disease-resistant varieties, avoiding overhead watering, and pruning off infected areas. Powdery mildew can be managed by using fungicides, improving air circulation, and planting in sunny areas with good drainage.
Common Pests
Aphids are common pests found on Crataegus mackenziei. These small, soft-bodied insects suck sap from the plant, causing damage to leaves and twigs. Spider mites can also be problematic, causing discoloration and webbing on leaves. Finally, the hawthorn lace bug can cause discoloration and defoliation of leaves, leading to stunted growth.
Management of Pests
Aphids can be controlled using insecticides, insecticidal soap, or by introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps. Spider mites can also be controlled using insecticidal soap, or by using predatory mites or insects, such as ladybugs. The hawthorn lace bug can be controlled by using insecticides or by removing any weeds or plants they may feed on.
