Overview of Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. matura (Sarg.) Egglest.
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. matura (Sarg.) Egglest. is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a plant species that is native to North America, specifically found in the eastern regions of Canada and the United States.
Common Names
The plant species is commonly known as Big-hip hawthorn, Matura hawthorn, as well as the synonyms Crataegus matura Sarg. and Crataegus succulenta Eggleston.
Appearance
The Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. matura (Sarg.) Egglest. plant typically grows up to 4-7 meters in height and often has a somewhat spiny appearance. The leaves are deciduous, lobed and saw-toothed, with a glossy green surface measuring between 2-4 cm in length. The tree also possesses a thick trunk with bark that is brown and scaly.
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. matura (Sarg.) Egglest. produces beautiful, showy flowers with five pink to white petals that measure between 1.5 and 2.5 cm across. The tree blooms from May to June, and the flowers have a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
During autumn, the plant produces fleshy, red fruit that measures approximately 2 cm in diameter. The fruit is edible, although it may require cooking to remove some of the bitterness, and it is used to make jellies and jams.
Uses
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. matura (Sarg.) Egglest. is primarily used as an ornamental tree for landscaping due to its attractive flowers and fruit. The tree is also used for erosion control along river banks due to its strong root system, which helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion. The fruits of the tree are edible and can be eaten fresh or cooked, and they are also used in making jams and jellies.
In traditional medicine, the fruit was used to treat various ailments such as heart problems, digestive issues, and high blood pressure. However, research on the plant's medical properties is limited, and it is best to seek advice from a medical professional before using the plant for medicinal purposes.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus Macrosperma Ashe var. Matura (Sarg.) Egglest.
Light: The Crataegus Macrosperma Ashe var. Matura (Sarg.) Egglest. plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but will not produce as many flowers and fruits in shady areas.
Temperature: This plant species thrives in temperate climates with average temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C. It can withstand occasional cold snaps with temperatures declining to -15°C, but it may not survive if exposed to frost for more extended periods.
Soil: The Crataegus Macrosperma Ashe var. Matura (Sarg.) Egglest. plant prefers well-drained soils with moderate moisture content. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils, as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. matura (Sarg.) Egglest. prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. The plant is easy to grow and adaptable to various soil types, including clay, sand, and loam. It requires moderate watering and can handle occasional droughts. The plant can tolerate winter chills but is not suitable for extreme cold or hot temperatures. It is best to plant in the spring or fall.
Watering needs
The plant requires moderate watering, especially during its first year of growth. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently if the weather is dry or hot. Check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot, so ensure proper drainage and avoid leaving the plant in standing water.
Fertilization
You can fertilize Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. matura (Sarg.) Egglest. in the spring or fall with a balanced fertilizer. Use a slow-release fertilizer or apply compost around the base of the plant. Avoid overfertilizing, as it can cause excessive growth and reduce flowering. The plant does not require frequent fertilization and can thrive in nutrient-poor soil.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. matura (Sarg.) Egglest., but you can encourage a bushier and denser growth by pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You can also selectively prune to control the size and shape of the plant, but avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce the flowering. Use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. matura (Sarg.) Egglest.
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. matura (Sarg.) Egglest., commonly known as bigfruit hawthorn, is a small tree or shrub that produces attractive white flowers in spring and large red fruits in fall. This plant is native to North America and thrives in a wide range of soils and climates. If you want to propagate Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. matura (Sarg.) Egglest., there are several methods you can use.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. matura (Sarg.) Egglest. is through seed propagation. Collect the ripe fruits from the tree and extract the seeds by removing the pulp. Clean the seeds and dry them for a few days. Fill a container with a well-draining potting mix and sprinkle the seeds over the surface. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of the potting mix and water them gently. Keep the container in a warm and bright location and make sure the soil remains moist. The seeds will germinate in 3-4 weeks, and as they grow, you can transplant them to larger containers or directly into the ground.
Cuttings Propagation
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. matura (Sarg.) Egglest. can also be propagated through cuttings. Take a 6 to 8-inch cutting from the current year's growth, using a sharp and sterilized pair of pruners. Remove the leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting and make a shallow wound at the bottom of the stem to stimulate root growth. Dip the cutting into rooting hormone powder and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting lightly and cover the pot with a plastic bag to increase humidity. Put the pot in a warm and bright location, but avoid direct sunlight. After 4-6 weeks, the cutting should start developing roots, and you can transplant it to a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another way of propagating Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. matura (Sarg.) Egglest. Choose a healthy and vigorous branch and make a shallow cut in the middle of the branch. Apply some rooting hormone and wrap a handful of moist sphagnum moss around the cut. Wrap the moss with plastic wrap, making sure to seal it tightly. After a few weeks, roots should start developing around the cut. Once the roots are well-established, remove the branch from the parent plant and transplant it into a pot or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Like all plants, Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. matura (Sarg.) Egglest. is vulnerable to various diseases. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Fungal Leaf Spots
Fungal leaf spots are caused by various types of fungi and can cause lesions on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain proper plant hygiene by keeping the surrounding area free of debris, pruning away infected leaves and branches, and ensuring good air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be applied to the plant to help control the spread of the disease.
Cedar-Apple Rust
Cedar-apple rust is caused by a fungus that infects both cedar trees and apple trees. It can cause yellow spots on the leaves and eventually lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any nearby cedar trees, as they can act as a host for the fungus. Fungicides can also be applied to the plant to help control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
There are several pests that might affect Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. matura (Sarg.) Egglest. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Apple Maggot
The apple maggot is a common pest that lays its eggs on the fruit of the plant. The larvae then burrow into the fruit, causing damage. To manage this pest, it is important to remove any fallen fruit from around the plant and to use sticky traps to catch the adult flies before they can lay their eggs.
Codling Moth
The codling moth is another common pest that can cause damage to the fruit of the plant. The larvae burrow into the fruit, causing damage and making it unsuitable for consumption. To manage this pest, it is important to use pheromone traps to catch the adult moths before they can lay their eggs. Insecticides can also be applied to the plant to control the spread of the pest.
