Overview
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa (Sarg.) Kruschke is a plant species that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is commonly known as the 'dwarf hawthorn' due to its small, compact size. The plant is native to the United States and can be found growing in the eastern parts of the country.
Description
The Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa (Sarg.) Kruschke is a shrub that grows up to 2-4 meters tall. The leaves are ovate or obovate in shape, with a rounded base and serrated margins. The flowers bloom in May, and they are white or pink, with five petals. The fruit, which is a small red berry, appears in late summer and persists through the fall.
Common Names
The Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa (Sarg.) Kruschke is known by a few different common names, including the 'dwarf hawthorn,' 'smooth leaf hawthorn,' and 'downy hawthorn.'
Uses
The Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa (Sarg.) Kruschke is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping due to its small size and attractive flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. The plant is believed to improve heart health and circulation, making it a popular herbal remedy for cardiovascular ailments. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare practitioner before using any herbal remedies.
Light Requirements
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa (Sarg.) Kruschke prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade, but it will not flower as profusely as it would in full sun. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
This variety of Crataegus mollis Scheele can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 5-9. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers cooler temperatures. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Once established, it can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
This plant grows best in well-draining soil with a pH of 6-7.5. It prefers soil that is rich in organic matter and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. It is drought-tolerant but prefers moist soil. It can tolerate periodic flooding but cannot survive in standing water for extended periods.
Cultivation Methods:
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa (Sarg.) Kruschke can grow in a variety of soils, including clay, sand, loam, and chalk. The preferred soil pH range is between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, and it is hardy to USDA zones 5-8. It can be propagated by seeds or softwood cuttings taken in the early summer.
Watering Needs:
When it comes to watering, this plant prefers soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water deeply once a week during the growing season, increasing frequency during hot, dry weather. It is critical to ensure that the soil has excellent drainage to avoid standing water around the roots, which can cause root rot.
Fertilization:
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa (Sarg.) Kruschke does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it does benefit from an annual application of a balanced slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive vegetative growth and weak branches.
Pruning:
Pruning is essential to encourage healthy growth and prevent diseases. Prune the plant during the dormant season to remove dead or damaged wood and to shape the plant. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce flower and fruit production. Light pruning every year is more beneficial than severe pruning every few years. Use sharp, clean tools, and sanitize them between cuts to avoid the spread of disease.
Propagation of Crataegus Mollis Scheele var. Dumetosa (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa (Sarg.) Kruschke, also known as the gray hawthorn, can be propagated through several methods, including seed propagation, cuttings propagation, layering, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a simple and inexpensive method to propagate Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa. The seeds can be harvested in the fall, cleaned, and stored in a dry, cool location until spring. In early spring, the seeds can be sown in a seed bed outdoors, or indoors in containers. The seedlings can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground when they are large enough.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation involves taking stem cuttings from a healthy Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa plant in the fall or winter, when the plant is dormant. The cuttings should be around 6-8 inches long and have at least two nodes. The cuttings should be placed in a rooting hormone before planting them in soil or sand. Keep the cuttings consistently moist until they develop roots and start showing new growth.
Layering
Layering is a method of propagating Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa by bending a low-lying branch to the ground and wounding the branch by making a small cut. Then, cover the area with a layer of soil and leave it until the new roots develop. Once roots have developed, cut the new plant from the original plant and transplant it to the desired location.
Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced propagation method suitable for experienced gardeners, and it involves taking the scion from a desirable Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa cultivar and attaching it to a rootstock of a different species or variety of the same genus. The graft union should be kept moist and wrapped with grafting tape until the union has taken place.
Disease Management
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa (Sarg.) Kruschke is susceptible to various diseases that can significantly affect its overall growth and yield. Below are some common diseases that might affect the plant and how to manage them:
Cedar-Hawthorn Rust
Cedar-Hawthorn Rust is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves, twigs, and fruits of the Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa (Sarg.) Kruschke plant. Symptoms of the disease include orange spots or blisters on the stems and leaves, which eventually turn black. The fruit may also develop black spots and, in severe cases, rust-colored spores.
The management of Cedar-Hawthorn Rust includes pruning infected twigs and branches, removing the fallen leaves and fruit from the tree, and promoting good air circulation to prevent the spread of the fungal spores. Fungicides can also be used for effective control of the disease.
Cedar-Apple Rust
Similar to Cedar-Hawthorn Rust, Cedar-Apple Rust is a fungal disease that affects the Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa (Sarg.) Kruschke plant. The disease causes yellow spots on the upper surface of the leaves, which turn reddish-brown over time. Infected fruit may also develop small, raised spots that merge to form a scabby growth on the fruit surface.
Pruning infected twigs and branches, removing fallen leaves and fruit, and using fungicides are effective in managing Cedar-Apple Rust.
Pest Management
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa (Sarg.) Kruschke is also susceptible to attack by several pests. Below are some common pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them:
Hawthorn Lace Bug
The Hawthorn Lace Bug is a significant pest of the Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa (Sarg.) Kruschke plant. The insect pierces the underside of leaves and sucks the sap, resulting in yellow patches on the upper surface of the leaves. Severe infestations may lead to the death of leaves and even the plant.
Control of the Hawthorn Lace Bug involves the use of insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils. Regular monitoring and early detection of the pest are crucial for effective control.
Hawthorn Leafminer
The Hawthorn Leafminer is another pest that can significantly affect the Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa (Sarg.) Kruschke plant. The larvae of the insect burrow into the leaves, creating tunnels that lead to premature leaf drop and general plant weakening.
Control of the Hawthorn Leafminer involves pruning and removing infected leaves promptly, preventing lush growth through appropriate fertilization, and using insecticides when necessary.
It's important to regularly check the Crataegus mollis Scheele var. dumetosa (Sarg.) Kruschke plant for signs of disease or pest infestation, monitor the plant growth, and quickly implement effective management strategies when the need arises.
