Description of Crataegus micrantha Sarg.
Crataegus micrantha Sarg., commonly known as the small-flowered hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree or shrub widely distributed in North America. It is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae) and is closely related to the apple (Malus) and pear (Pyrus) trees.
General Appearance
The small-flowered hawthorn typically grows up to 5 meters tall and has a rounded or spreading crown. Its leaves are 2-4 cm long with lobes that are pointed and sharply toothed along the margins. The flowers are small, white, and bloom in clusters in late spring to early summer. The fruit of the small-flowered hawthorn is small and red, measuring up to 1cm in diameter, and ripens in late summer to early fall.
Origin and Habitat
The small-flowered hawthorn is native to North America, occurring from Newfoundland to Alberta in Canada, and south to Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas in the United States. It grows in a variety of habitats, including open woods, fields, fence rows, and roadsides, and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types.
Uses of Crataegus micrantha Sarg.
The small-flowered hawthorn has long been valued for its edible fruit, which can be eaten raw or cooked and used in jams, jellies, and sauces. The fruit is also an important food source for wildlife, including birds and small mammals. In addition, the bark, leaves, and flowers of the small-flowered hawthorn have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and digestive disorders.
Furthermore, the small-flowered hawthorn is frequently used in landscaping and as an ornamental tree due to its attractive flowers and red fruit. It is also used in erosion control and as a windbreak due to its dense branching habit and tolerance of adverse growing conditions.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus micrantha Sarg. plant prefers bright sunlight and full sun exposure. However, it may also tolerate partial shade as long as it receives at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. Bright light helps the plant to produce more vibrant and abundant foliage, flowers, and fruits. Lack of enough sunlight may lead to stunted growth, poor flowering, and reduced fruiting.
Temperature Requirements
The Crataegus micrantha Sarg. plant is native to temperate regions and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It prefers average temperatures between 18°C to 24°C during the growing season, and temperatures between 3°C to 10°C during the dormancy period. Extremely hot temperatures and frost may damage the plant. It is, therefore, essential to provide adequate protection during extreme weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus micrantha Sarg. plant can grow in a wide range of soil types. It prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients to support healthy plant growth. If the soil is poor, you can amend it by adding compost, manure, or other organic matter. It is essential to maintain adequate soil moisture levels for optimal plant growth.
Cultivation methods for Crataegus micrantha Sarg.
Crataegus micrantha Sarg. is a hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It can be grown in both sunny and partially shaded locations, and in a range of soil types. The best results, however, are achieved in well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
The ideal time to plant Crataegus micrantha Sarg. is in the early spring or fall. Seedlings or saplings can be purchased from nurseries and planted directly into the ground. The plants should be spaced about 6-10 feet apart to allow enough room for growth.
Watering needs for Crataegus micrantha Sarg.
While Crataegus micrantha Sarg. is a drought-resistant plant, it still requires regular watering, especially during the initial stages of growth. The plants should be watered deeply and regularly to promote root development, but not to the point of waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
During the hot summer months, the plants may require more frequent watering. Always water the plants in the morning or evening to avoid evaporation, and avoid wetting the foliage to prevent the spread of disease.
Fertilization for Crataegus micrantha Sarg.
Crataegus micrantha Sarg. is a slow-growing plant and does not require frequent fertilization. However, a yearly application of balanced fertilizer in the spring, before the onset of new growth, can promote healthy growth and flowering.
Organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can also be used to provide nutrients to the soil. Before applying any fertilizer, make sure the soil is moist to prevent root damage.
Pruning for Crataegus micrantha Sarg.
Pruning is an essential part of caring for Crataegus micrantha Sarg. The plants should be pruned in late winter or early spring while still dormant. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and thin out any overcrowded areas to promote air circulation and sunlight penetration.
Crataegus micrantha Sarg. is primarily a shrub, but it can be trained to grow as a tree by removing the lower branches and encouraging a single trunk. Regular pruning can also help to maintain the plant's shape and size.
Propagation of Crataegus micrantha Sarg.
Crataegus micrantha Sarg. can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Crataegus micrantha Sarg. can be collected in late summer or early autumn when they are ripe. The seeds should be cleaned and stratified at 4°C for 90-120 days before sowing in the spring. They can be sown in flats or nursery beds and should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until germination. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual containers or field beds after one year of growth.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings of Crataegus micrantha Sarg. can be taken from semi-hardwood shoots in the summer or hardwood cuttings in the winter. The cuttings should be approximately 15-20 cm long and should include at least two nodes. The cut ends should be treated with rooting hormone and inserted into a well-draining rooting medium. A plastic covering or mist system can be used to maintain high humidity levels to encourage root development. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or field beds after one year.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another method of propagating Crataegus micrantha Sarg. that involves joining a scion from a desired cultivar onto a rootstock of a related species. The two plants are secured together until they fuse and become one plant. The scion should be taken from a current-year growth and should be approximately 10-15 cm long. The rootstock should be planted the previous year and should be approximately the same diameter as the scion. The graft should be wrapped with grafting tape and covered with a grafting wax or compound to protect the union until it is fully healed.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus micrantha Sarg.
Crataegus micrantha Sarg., commonly known as the dotted hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree native to the eastern United States. Like all plants, it is susceptible to disease and pest infestations. Proper disease and pest management are essential to keep the tree healthy and productive.
Common Diseases
Several diseases can affect Crataegus micrantha Sarg. Some of the most common ones include:
Cedar-Apple Rust
Cedar-apple rust is a disease caused by a fungus that affects both cedar and apple trees, including hawthorns. The disease causes yellow spots on the leaves, followed by brownish-orange spots. The tree may eventually lose its leaves prematurely. To manage cedar-apple rust, remove any nearby cedar trees and prune the hawthorn to promote air circulation.
Fire Blight
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that affects many plants, including hawthorns. The disease causes wilting and blackening of the blossoms and shoots. If left untreated, fire blight can cause significant damage to the tree. Pruning infected branches and applying a bactericide can help control the disease.
Common Pests
Several pests can also infest Crataegus micrantha Sarg. Here are some of the most common ones:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause significant damage to hawthorns. The pests feed on the tree's sap, leading to yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To control spider mites, spray the tree with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Hawthorn Lace Bugs
Hawthorn lace bugs are small insects that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing yellowish-white spots. The pests can cause significant damage to the tree if left untreated. To manage hawthorn lace bugs, spray the tree with an insecticide labeled for lace bugs.
Conclusion
Proper disease and pest management are essential to keep Crataegus micrantha Sarg. healthy and productive. By following the above tips, you can ensure that your tree stays free from diseases and pests and grows healthy and strong for years to come.
