Crataegus Maximowiczii: A Detailed Description
Crataegus Maximowiczii, also known as the Japanese Hawthorn or Chojugatake, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. The plant is native to Japan, Korea, and China, and is well-known for its ornamental appeal due to its attractive flowers and foliage. It is a popular plant among gardeners due to its hardiness and easy maintenance.
General appearance
Crataegus Maximowiczii is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 6 meters tall. Its leaves are oval-shaped and glossy green, measuring about 2-4 cm long. The plant's branches have sharp thorns and produce clusters of fragrant flowers, ranging from white to pale pink color, in late spring. These flowers are followed by round-shaped, red-tinged fruits that look similar to small apples, which are edible, but not commonly consumed.
Common names
Crataegus Maximowiczii is known by several common names, including the Japanese Hawthorn, Chojugatake, and Maximowicz's Hawthorn. The plant is mentioned in various cultures, and in Japan, it is used to symbolize love, hope, and happiness, especially during the wedding season.
Uses
Crataegus Maximowiczii has several uses, primarily for ornamental purposes. The plant's attractive flowers and foliage make it a popular choice for landscaping gardens, parks, and other green spaces. Its fruits are edible, and they can be used to make jams, jellies, and sauces. In traditional medicine, several parts of the plant, including its leaves, flowers, and fruits, are used to treat a range of ailments such as high blood pressure and digestive problems.
Overall, Crataegus Maximowiczii is a stunning plant that adds beauty and elegance to any landscape. Whether it's for ornamental or medicinal purposes, the plant is highly valued and has become an important part of various cultures around the world.
Light Requirements
Crataegus maximowiczii typically grows in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. However, it can also tolerate some shade, especially in hot and dry climates.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive extreme cold temperatures as low as -40 °C and hot temperatures as high as 40 °C. However, it grows best in cool to moderate temperatures between 13-25 °C.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus maximowiczii prefers moist but well-draining loamy or sandy soils. It is adaptable to a range of soils, including slightly acidic to mildly alkaline soils. However, it cannot tolerate saline soils or waterlogged soils that restrict oxygen supply to the roots.
It also benefits from soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or manure. The addition of organic matter can improve soil structure, increase moisture retention capacity, and promote healthy plant growth.
Cultivation
Crataegus maximowiczii, commonly known as Japanese hawthorn, thrives in full sun or partial shade. The plant prefers acidic and well-drained soil, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It can tolerate drought, but it needs regular watering during the growing season.
Watering Needs
Water the plant at least once a week during the growing season. The frequency of watering may vary depending on the soil type, climate, and humidity level. Make sure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, while underwatering may cause the plant to wilt and die.
Fertilization
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 in early spring and late summer. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1/4 to 1/2 pound per inch of trunk diameter. Sprinkle the granules evenly around the root zone, and water thoroughly afterward to help the nutrients reach the roots.
Pruning
Prune the plant in late winter or early spring when it is dormant. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Also, remove any suckers or water sprouts that emerge from the base or along the trunk. Thin out crowded or crossing branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. Keeping the plant well-pruned can help maintain its shape, size, and overall health.
Propagation Methods for Crataegus maximowiczii
Crataegus maximowiczii, also known as Japanese hawthorn, can be propagated through various methods that include:
Seeds
One way to propagate Crataegus maximowiczii is through seeds, which are commonly available in nurseries or can be collected from mature trees during the fall season. For best results, it is recommended to cold stratify the seeds for approximately 120 days to ensure germination.
Cuttings
Cuttings from young and healthy shoots taken in the spring or early summer can be used for propagating Crataegus maximowiczii. It is important to remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone before planting it in well-drained soil and keeping it in a shaded location until roots form.
Grafting
Grafting is another method used to propagate Crataegus maximowiczii. It involves joining a scion from a desired cultivar onto a compatible rootstock. This method is often used to produce plants that are more disease-resistant or have larger fruits.
Division
Dividing mature plants is another way to propagate Crataegus maximowiczii. This method involves carefully digging up the plant, dividing the root ball into several sections and replanting them in well-drained soil. It is recommended to do this during the dormant season in the fall or early spring.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus Maximowiczii
Crataegus maximowiczii, commonly known as the Japanese hawthorn, is a hardy plant that may experience some diseases and pests that can damage its health and appearance. Here are some of the most common ones and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Cedar-Apple Rust - This disease manifests as yellowing leaves, defoliation, and malformed fruit. The fungus responsible for the condition spreads to hawthorns from nearby cedar trees. Manage the condition by removing the cedars in your vicinity and applying fungicides.
Fire Blight - This bacterial infection causes branches and twigs to blacken and bend unnaturally. It may kill the whole plant if severe. Pruning of affected branches and sterilizing pruning tools between cuts can limit the spread of fire blight.
Leaf Spots - Fungal leaf spot diseases can cause red, purplish, or brown markings on the plant's leaves, leading to serious defoliation if not managed sooner. To control the situation, remove fallen leaves, reduce watering, avoid wetting the foliage while watering, and use fungicides.
Pests
Hawthorn Lacebugs - These small, black insects cause discoloration and stippling on leaves and early defoliation. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage hawthorn lacebugs.
Spider Mites - These pests cause brownish and yellowish discoloration on leaves. They thrive in dry and dusty conditions. Spray the plant with water to increase humidity and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage them.
Hawthorn Leafminer - This pest chews up the inner parts of hawthorn leaves, which curl inwards or brown up and drop early. To manage hawthorn leafminer, maintain a healthy tree growing environment through timely water and fertilization and prune affected branches during late fall or winter.
By being vigilant and knowing the signs and symptoms of diseases and pests that may affect your hawthorn tree, you can take the necessary measures early enough to avoid severe damage.
