Description of Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. divida (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. divida (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the Parsley-leaved Hawthorn, is a small tree or large shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to the eastern United States and can be found in various parts of the country, including Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
Appearance
The Parsley-leaved Hawthorn grows up to 6 meters tall with a dense crown and a rough, grayish-brown bark. Its leaves are simple, lobed, and toothed, giving them a parsley-like appearance. The tree produces white or pinkish flowers in clusters in late spring and early summer, followed by red or black berries that persist into winter.
Uses
The Parsley-leaved Hawthorn is primarily used for landscaping purposes due to its attractive appearance. It is also known for its medicinal properties, with its leaves, berries, and flowers having been traditionally used to treat heart and circulatory problems, digestive issues, and as a mild sedative.
In addition, the tree's wood is sometimes used for making tool handles, walking sticks, and other small wooden objects. It is also known to provide habitat and food for various wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
Overall, the Parsley-leaved Hawthorn is an attractive and useful plant that has made its mark in both horticulture and traditional medicine.
Light Requirements
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. divida (Sarg.) Kruschke prefers full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow and produce healthy foliage and flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is hardy and can tolerate extreme temperatures. However, it prefers a moderate temperature range between 18°C to 25°C. The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soils including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. The soil need not be rich in nutrients, but it should be well-aerated.
Water Requirements
The plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate brief periods of dryness as long as the soil does not completely dry out. It is essential to avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot, which is detrimental to the plant's growth. Regular watering during the growing season and reducing watering during winter is crucial to maintaining the plant's health.
Cultivation methods
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. divida (Sarg.) Kruschke, also known as the Big Thorn Hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America. When planting, choose a location that has full sun exposure and well-draining soil.
Prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost to improve fertility. Plant the shrub in a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball, and water thoroughly.
Watering needs
Proper watering is critical for the health of the Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. divida (Sarg.) Kruschke. Water thoroughly and deeply once a week or more frequently during hot and dry weather. When watering, focus on the roots and avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal infections.
Fertilization
As the shrub grows, it requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. Use a balanced fertilizer during the spring and summer months, and apply it every two to three weeks. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for best results. Avoid fertilizing during the fall, as this can inhibit the plant's dormancy process.
Pruning
Pruning is crucial for maintaining a healthy and vibrant Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. divida (Sarg.) Kruschke. Prune the shrub selectively to remove damaged, diseased, or dead wood, and to control the plant's shape. This is typically done in the late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Crataegus Macracantha Lodd. var. Divida (Sarg.) Kruschke
There are several methods for propagating Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. divida (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the Big Thorn Hawthorn. These include:
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is one of the most common techniques for growing Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. divida (Sarg.) Kruschke. Collect the ripe berries in the fall and remove the seeds from their flesh. Then, place them in a seedbed filled with well-drained soil. Cover them with a thin layer of sand and keep the seedbed moist. The seed will take around 18 months to germinate.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings are taken from young twigs and branches in the spring, before the new growth hardens off. Make sure that the cuttings are approximately 4 to 6 inches long and contain at least three nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the base of the cuttings in rooting hormone powder. Then, carefully plant the cuttings in containers filled with moistened perlite or peat moss. Keep the containers in a warm place and cover them with plastic wrap. Roots should begin to form within four to six weeks.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method of propagation. It involves stripping off a ring of bark from a 1-year-old stem, wrapping moist sphagnum moss around the exposed wood, and enclosing the moss in plastic. Roots will emerge from where the bark has been removed. After a few weeks, the stem can be cut off the mother plant and potted up.
With these propagation techniques, one can propagate Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. divida (Sarg.) Kruschke successfully and efficiently.
Disease Management
Several diseases can affect Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. divida (Sarg.) Kruschke, including:
- Cedar apple rust: It causes yellow spots on leaves and causes them to fall prematurely. Fruits also show yellow spots and are deformed. The disease can be managed by removing nearby cedar trees and applying fungicides.
- Fire blight: It causes leaves to wilt and appear burnt. Branches may have a “shepherd's crook” shape. The disease can be managed by pruning affected branches at least 8 inches below the affected area and spraying with bactericides.
- Black spot: It causes black spots on leaves, defoliation, and can reduce plant vigor. Fungicides can effectively manage the disease.
- Powdery mildew: It causes whitish-gray patches on leaves and can reduce plant vigor. Fungicides can control the disease, but preventing it is essential. Adequate spacing, proper pruning, and good air circulation can prevent powdery mildew.
Pest Management
The following insects and mites can affect Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. divida (Sarg.) Kruschke:
- Apple maggot: It causes disfigurement and flesh breakdown in fruits. The pest can be managed by using insecticides.
- Tarnished plant bug: It causes buds to turn brown and fruits to have deformities. The pest can be managed by using insecticides.
- Thrips: It causes stunted growth and leaves to have a silver tint. The pest can be managed by using insecticides and removing nearby debris that may harbor the pest.
- Mites: They cause leaves to become bronze or stippled. The pest can be managed by using miticides.
