Origin
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Kruschke, commonly known as the Ashe's hawthorn, is an angiosperm plant species that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The plant is native to North America, ranging from eastern Texas through the southeastern states up to the Mid-Atlantic region.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several names that include Ashe's hawthorn, woolly hawthorn, downy hawthorn, and red haw. The common names are derived from the plant's physical characteristics, and its fruits' color.
Uses
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. pertomentosa has several uses both in traditional medicine and landscaping. The plant contains compounds that have medicinal properties that are beneficial in treating conditions such as the heart, high blood pressure, anxiety, and digestive problems. The plant extracts are also used in the manufacture of supplements, capsules, and tinctures.
The plant is also used in landscaping and gardening, where it is grown as a hedge or ornamental plant. The Ashe's hawthorn is preferred due to its ability to thrive in different soil conditions, drought resistance, and ease of maintenance. The plant produces a profusion of beautiful white flowers in springtime, and the berries are eaten by birds, making it an ideal wildlife habitat plant.
Appearance
The Ashe's hawthorn is a small deciduous tree or shrub that grows up to 20 feet high. The plant has a dense, rounded crown and a spreading habit, creating a sprawling appearance. The leaves are dark green, and their undersides are woolly or downy, hence the common names wooly hawthorn and downy hawthorn.
The plant produces white, sweet-scented flowers that grow in clusters of up to 20 blooms in spring. The flowers are followed by round to oval-shaped red berries that mature in late summer and fall. The Ashe's hawthorn fruits are edible, and they have a sweet, slightly tart flavor that is enjoyed by wildlife and humans alike.
Light Requirements
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Kruschke prefers full sun to partial shade. It is typically found growing in open woods or at the edges of forests where it receives a good amount of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Kruschke is a cold-hardy plant that can survive temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C). However, it prefers a moderate climate with an average temperature of around 50-80°F (10-27°C) for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Kruschke needs well-draining soil that is fertile and slightly acidic with a pH of 6.0-6.5 for optimal growth. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including loam, sand, and clay, but it prefers soils that are rich in organic matter.
Cultivation methods
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Kruschke, commonly known as Ashe's hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub/tree native to the Eastern United States. It typically grows up to 20 feet tall and spreads up to 15 feet wide. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. The best time to plant Ashe's hawthorn is during the fall or spring when the soil is not frozen. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Watering needs
Ashe's hawthorn has average watering needs and requires regular watering during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, the plant can tolerate drought conditions. However, it is important to water the plant during extended periods of hot and dry weather to prevent stress. To prevent waterlogging and root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining.
Fertilization
Ashe's hawthorn has moderate fertilizer needs and benefits from a balanced fertilizer application during the growing season. It is recommended to fertilize the plant twice a year, once in early spring and once in mid-summer. Use a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer to avoid burning the roots.
Pruning
Ashe's hawthorn requires minimal pruning, and it is recommended to prune the plant during the dormant season, late winter or early spring. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Avoid pruning the plant in the summer as it can stress the plant and make it more susceptible to diseases and pest infestations.
Propagation of Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Kruschke
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Kruschke, commonly known as big thorn hawthorn, can be propagated by several methods including seed, hardwood cuttings, softwood cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Crataegus macracantha typically has a high percentage of seed viability, which makes it an ideal candidate for propagation through seed. The seeds should be collected in late summer or early fall, and they must be stratified for at least 60 days before being planted in the spring. Once stratified, the seeds can be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until germination occurs.
Hardwood Cuttings Propagation
Hardwood cuttings can be taken from dormant mature stems of the plant during the winter months. The cuttings should be around 6-12 inches long with at least one bud and should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining rooting medium and kept moist until rooting occurs. Rooting can take up to several months, and once rooted, the plants can be transplanted to a larger container or directly into the ground.
Softwood Cuttings Propagation
Softwood cuttings can be taken during the spring and early summer months from new shoots of the plant. Cuttings should be around 4-6 inches long, with at least one bud and should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Remove the lower leaves of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining rooting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, shaded area until rooting occurs, which can take several weeks.
Grafting
Grafting is a propagation method where a stem from the desired plant is joined to the rootstock of a related species. Crataegus macracantha can be grafted onto Crataegus species with similar growth habits. The most common method used for grafting hawthorn is whip and tongue grafting. The scion should be taken from a healthy, disease-free source and should be of the same diameter as the rootstock. The rootstock should be cut at an angle and the scion should be cut to fit the angle of the rootstock. Both the rootstock and the scion should be wrapped tightly with grafting tape to form a seal. The newly grafted plant should be kept in a warm, humid environment until new growth is visible, which can take several weeks.
Disease Management
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Kruschke, commonly known as big thorn hawthorn, is susceptible to different diseases that can cause damage to the plant. The following are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant:
Cedar-Apple RustCedar-apple rust is a fungal disease that causes yellow spots on the leaves, followed by the development of orangish-brown blisters. The disease can be controlled by planting resistant varieties, pruning infected parts of the plant, and applying fungicides.
Fire BlightFire blight is a bacterial disease that can cause black leaves and stems and can also kill branches and fruits. The disease can be controlled by pruning infected parts of the plant, avoiding overhead watering, and applying bactericides.
Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are fungal diseases that cause circular brown or black spots on the leaves. The disease can be controlled by applying fungicides, improving air circulation and reducing humidity, and avoiding overhead watering.
Pest Management
Crataegus macracantha Lodd. var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Kruschke is also susceptible to different pests that can cause damage to the plant. The following are some of the common pests that might affect the plant:
AphidsAphids are small insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and distort. The pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with water, introducing natural predators like ladybugs, and applying insecticides.
Spider MitesSpider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and browning of leaves and also cause leaves to fall off. The pests can be controlled by introducing natural predators like predatory mites, spraying the plant with water, and applying insecticides.
Scale InsectsScale insects are immobile pests that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. The pests can be controlled by pruning infected parts of the plant, applying insecticides, and introducing natural predators like parasitic wasps.
