Origin and Common Names
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. colorado (Ashe) Kruschke, commonly known as the Colorado Hawthorn, is a species of hawthorn that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is native to the central regions of North America, including the Great Plains and the Midwest.
General Appearance
The Colorado Hawthorn is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall. It has a dense, bushy form with spreading branches that form a broad, rounded crown. The bark is gray-brown and smooth when young, becoming rough and scaly with age. The leaves are alternate, simple, and deeply lobed with serrated margins. They are dark green on the upper surface and paler on the underside. The flowers are white, pink, or red, and bloom in clusters in late spring. The fruits are small, round, red berries, which persist on the plant into winter.
Uses
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. colorado (Ashe) Kruschke is a popular ornamental plant, commonly used in gardens, landscapes, and parks for its showy flowers and attractive berries. It is also used for erosion control and as a hedge or screen plant. The fruits of the plant are edible and can be used to make jellies, jams, and sauces. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties.
Light Requirements
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. colorado (Ashe) Kruschke grows well in full sun to partial shade. They prefer a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, but they can also tolerate light shade. Too much shade can prevent flowering and fruiting.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. colorado (Ashe) Kruschke is native to the mountainous regions of North America and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, they prefer cooler climates and are more tolerant to cold temperatures than to hot temperatures. They can survive in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 7, where temperatures range from -34 to 6.5 degrees Celsius (-30 to 44 degrees Fahrenheit).
Soil Requirements
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. colorado (Ashe) Kruschke prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. They can grow in a wide range of soils, from sandy to clay, but they prefer loamy soils with high organic matter. It is recommended to add compost or organic matter to improve soil drainage and fertility. They are not tolerant to waterlogged soils, and their roots can rot in poorly drained soils.
Cultivation
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. colorado (Ashe) Kruschke, commonly known as Colorado hawthorn, is a plant native to North America. It is an adaptable species that can thrive in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, sand, and rocky soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can withstand drought conditions.
The plant is usually propagated by seeds, which can be harvested from ripe fruits during fall or by softwood cuttings taken in early summer and rooted in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be stratified in a cold and damp environment for three months before planting to increase the germination rate.
Watering Needs
Colorado hawthorn is a drought-tolerant plant, but it requires regular watering during the first two years of growth to establish a strong root system. After that period, the plant can withstand dry conditions, but it still needs occasional watering during prolonged droughts. Overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
The plant does not require heavy feeding, but a yearly application of compost or slow-release fertilizer in the spring can promote healthy growth and flowering. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be avoided as they can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the plant's health, but it can help shape the shrub and promote better flowering. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Dead or broken branches should be removed, and the shrub can be thinned out by removing one-third of the oldest branches. Light trimming can also be done after the flowering period to maintain its shape and size.
Propagation of Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. colorado (Ashe) Kruschke
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. colorado (Ashe) Kruschke, commonly known as Colorado Hawthorn is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Rosaceae. This plant is native to North America, specifically found in the Rocky Mountains.
To propagate Colorado Hawthorn, there are several methods that can be used:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature fruits in the fall. For best results, stratify the seeds in the refrigerator for at least 90 days to break seed dormancy. Once the stratification period is over, sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and place it in a warm, bright location with consistent moisture. Germination for Colorado Hawthorn can take anywhere from 60 to 120 days.
Cuttings Propagation
Softwood cuttings can be taken in the early summer. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cuttings and dip the end in rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in a container with a growing medium that retains moisture and drain well, cover the cuttings with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and place it in a bright and warm area. Rooting of cuttings usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks.
Sucker Propagation
Suckers can also be collected from the base of the plant. Carefully remove the sucker with a sharp knife or pruning shears, making sure to have a good amount of roots. Plant the sucker in well-draining soil and keep the soil consistently moist. Ensure the sucker is placed in a location with bright light, but not in direct sunlight.
Propagation of Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. colorado (Ashe) Kruschke can be accomplished through seed, cuttings, or suckers. With the proper care and maintenance, Colorado Hawthorn can be propagated successfully through any of these methods.
Disease Management
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. colorado (Ashe) Kruschke, commonly known as Colorado hawthorn, is susceptible to several diseases that can lead to decline or death of the plant. Some common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Fire blight: caused by the bacteria Erwinia amylovora, this disease can cause rapid wilting, browning and death of flowers, leaves, and twigs. Quick removal and destruction of infected branches can help control the spread of the disease, while proper pruning, use of resistant cultivars, and application of copper-based fungicides can prevent further outbreaks.
- Cedar-quince rust: caused by the fungi Gymnosporangium clavipes and G. macropus, this disease can cause galls on junipers and swelling and yellowing of leaves on hawthorns. Removing nearby junipers, pruning out infected branches, and using fungicides can help prevent its spread.
- Leaf spot: caused by various fungi such as Diplocarpon mespili, this disease can cause small circular to irregularly shaped spots on leaves, which can coalesce and result in defoliation. Raking and destroying fallen leaves, applying fungicides, and maintaining good air circulation can help reduce the risk of infection.
Pest Management
Although Colorado hawthorn is generally not as prone to pest problems as other hawthorn species, some common pests that may cause damage to this plant include:
- Spider mites: these tiny, sap-sucking pests can cause yellowing and bronzing of leaves, as well as decrease growth and vigor. Regular watering, pruning of severely infested branches, and using insecticidal soaps or oils can help control their population.
- Caterpillars: various species of caterpillars, such as the hawthorn leafminer and the eastern tent caterpillar, may feed on leaves, creating unsightly holes and defoliation. Handpicking and destroying the larvae, maintaining tree health, and releasing natural predators can help prevent major infestations.
- Scales: species such as the San Jose scale and the oystershell scale can attach themselves to the bark, leading to weakened growth and dieback. Pruning out infested branches, applying horticultural oils in late winter or early spring, and encouraging natural predators can help control these pests.
