Crataegus macrosperma Ashe: Origin and Common Names
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe is a species of hawthorn plant that is native to the southeastern part of the United States. It is commonly known as the bigfruit hawthorn, large-seed hawthorn, or Ashe's hawthorn. This plant belongs to the family Rosaceae and is closely related to other hawthorn species that are widely distributed throughout the world.
Appearance
The bigfruit hawthorn is a small, deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall and wide. It has a rounded crown with branches that are covered in thorns up to 3 inches long. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate with serrated edges. During spring, this plant produces clusters of white to pinkish flowers that have a sweet scent and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The fruits that follow are round or oval-shaped, have a diameter of up to one inch, and turn from green to yellow or red when ripe.
Uses
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe has several medicinal and ecological uses. The plant's leaves, flowers, and fruits have been traditionally used to treat various health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, digestive problems, and anxiety. Studies have shown that hawthorn extracts may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects that improve cardiovascular health. Moreover, Ashe's hawthorn is an important food source for many wildlife species, including birds, squirrels, and deer. This plant can also help prevent soil erosion and improve water quality by promoting plant diversity and soil stability.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus macrosperma typically needs full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. This means that it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Lack of adequate sunlight will result in a weak and spindly plant with poor fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can thrive in a wide range of temperatures. However, it does best in moderate temperatures with the optimum temperature being between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. The plant can withstand temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius but cannot survive in temperatures that exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
Water Requirements
The Crataegus macrosperma requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to avoid root rot. The plant can tolerate dry soil but will not produce as much fruit as it would in moist soil. Watering should be done in the mornings or evenings when the temperatures are low to avoid excessive evaporation.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil pH, but it thrives best in slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0-6.5. The soil should be fertile and not compact, enabling the roots to spread easily. It is essential to ensure that the soil is adequately aerated to allow for healthy root growth.
Cultivation
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe, commonly referred to as bigfruit hawthorn, is a shrub that thrives well in a wide range of soils, including loamy and clay soils. It grows best in areas with well-drained soils and adequate sunlight. You can propagate the Crataegus macrosperma Ashe through seed germination or by cuttings. It is advisable to plant hawthorn shrubs in the fall to enhance their establishment before the onset of winter.
Watering
The Crataegus macrosperma Ashe requires moderate watering after planting and during its early years of growth. Once it becomes established, you can reduce the watering frequency gradually. Overwatering may lead to root rot or encourage the growth of harmful fungi. The best way to water your hawthorn shrub is to ensure that the soil around it is evenly moist.
Fertilization
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe does not need regular fertilization if you provide it with nutrient-rich soil during planting. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season for optimal growth and development. The best time to fertilize is during early spring when the plant starts to grow new leaves.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for Crataegus macrosperma Ashe to maintain its desired shape and size. Prune your hawthorn shrub during the winter when it is dormant. Cut out any dead or damaged branches, and limit removal of the healthy branches to about one-third of the tree. Avoid pruning during the growing season as it may interfere with the plant's growth and lead to stunted growth or poor fruiting.
Propagation methods for Crataegus macrosperma Ashe
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe, commonly known as the bigfruit hawthorn or the western mayhaw, is a small shrub or tree that is native to North America. It produces a large fruit with a diameter of up to 1.5 cm, which can be eaten raw or used to make jellies and jams. If you are interested in propagating Crataegus macrosperma Ashe, there are several methods you can use:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Crataegus macrosperma Ashe is by seed. The seeds can be collected from mature fruits and sown immediately or stored in a cool, dry place until the spring. To enhance the germination rate, it is recommended to stratify the seeds for a few months before planting them. This can be done by soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours and then storing them in a moist, cool environment for 2-3 months. Once the seeds have been stratified, they can be sown in a seedling tray filled with a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, brightly lit location. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location once they are about 6 inches tall and have developed a good root system.
Cuttings
Another propagation method for Crataegus macrosperma Ashe is through stem cuttings. This method is best done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Take a 4-6 inch long stem cutting from the current year's growth, making sure to include a few leaves. Dip the cutting into a rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cutting in a shaded, humid location and make sure to keep the soil moist. The cutting should root in about 4-6 weeks and can be transplanted to a permanent location once it has developed a good root system.
Layering
Layering is a propagation method that is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. Select a low-growing branch and gently bend it down to the ground. Make a small cut in the bark where the branch touches the ground and dust the wound with rooting hormone. Cover the branch with soil, leaving the tip exposed, and water the area well. The branch should develop roots in 6-12 months, at which point it can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a permanent location.
Propagation of Crataegus macrosperma Ashe can be a rewarding process and can produce new plants for your garden or orchard. Whichever method you choose, make sure to provide the plant with the appropriate growing conditions and care to ensure its success.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus macrosperma Ashe Plant
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe, commonly known as bigfruit hawthorn, is a small flowering tree that is native to North America. Although it is generally a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases, there are some common problems that may affect its growth and development. Here are some of the diseases and pests that you should be aware of, along with some tips on how to manage them:
Diseases
Cedar Rust
Cedar rust is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves, twigs, and fruit of the bigfruit hawthorn. It appears as yellow spots on the upper surface of the leaves and brownish spots on the undersurface. The spores of this fungus can also infect nearby red cedar trees. To manage this disease, pruning out affected branches, removing nearby cedar trees, and applying fungicides can help prevent its spread. However, fungicides should be applied in the spring before the disease symptoms appear.
Fire Blight
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that causes blackened, wilted leaves, and scorched-looking twigs and branches. In severe cases, it can kill the entire tree. The bacteria that cause this disease prefer warm, humid weather. To manage fire blight, prune out affected branches, avoid over-fertilizing, and avoid watering the tree overhead. In some cases, antibiotics can be used to control the bacteria. If the disease is severe, the tree may need to be removed.
Pests
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the bigfruit hawthorn. They can cause stunted growth, yellowed leaves, and distorted growth. To manage aphids, wash them off with a strong spray of water, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, or use insecticidal soaps or oils.
Hawthorn Lace Bug
Hawthorn lace bugs are small, black insects that cause a stippled appearance on the leaves of the bigfruit hawthorn. They can cause defoliation and weaken the tree over time. To manage hawthorn lace bugs, wash the leaves regularly with a strong spray of water, introduce natural predators, or use insecticides.
By following these tips, you can help prevent common diseases and pests from affecting your bigfruit hawthorn and encourage healthy growth and development.
