Origin
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. sera (Sarg.) Egglest. is a species of hawthorn plant that is native to the southeastern part of the United States, including Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. It is commonly found in woodland areas, along roadsides, and in thickets.
Common Names
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. sera (Sarg.) Egglest. is commonly known as the Southern Red Hawthorn or Sarg's Hawthorn. It is also referred to as the Red Haw, Scarlet Haw, or Smoothbark Hawthorn.
General Appearance
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. sera (Sarg.) Egglest. is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 30 feet in height. It is characterized by its thorny branches, oval-shaped leaves that are 2-3 inches long, and small white flowers that bloom in clusters in early spring. The fruit of this plant is red, round, and about 1/3 inch in diameter.
Uses
The fruit of Crataegus mollis Scheele var. sera (Sarg.) Egglest. is edible and is used to make jams, jellies, and wine. The plant is also used for landscaping and erosion control due to its thorny branches and ability to grow in a variety of soil types. In traditional medicine, hawthorn has been used to treat heart diseases, digestive issues, and anxiety, among other ailments, although more research is still necessary to confirm its medicinal properties.
Light Requirements
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. sera (Sarg.) Egglest. is a plant species that prefers to grow in areas with full sun exposure. It can also grow in partially shaded areas, but the foliage may not be as dense or vibrant as those growing in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Crataegus mollis Scheele var. sera (Sarg.) Egglest. is between 60°F and 70°F. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F in freezing winters, and as high as 90°F in hot summers.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. sera (Sarg.) Egglest. can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. The species can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils with adequate moisture and nutrient content. Waterlogged soils or those with poor drainage must be avoided as they can cause root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation Methods
The plant Crataegus mollis Scheele var. sera (Sarg.) Egglest. is quite easy to cultivate. It grows well in well-drained soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. A sunny location is ideal, but it also tolerates partial shade.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. If you want to grow the plant from seeds, you need to sow them in a seed bed during the autumn. Alternatively, you can propagate the plant through hardwood cuttings in late autumn or early winter. Rooting hormone treatment can help increase the success rate. Once the plant establishes roots, it is ready to transplant.
Watering Needs
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. sera (Sarg.) Egglest. requires medium watering. In general, you need to water the plant once a week. However, the watering frequency might increase during hot summers. The key is to water the plant deeply, so the water reaches the roots. Avoid overwatering, as this might cause root rot.
Fertilization
The plant does not require a lot of fertilization. You only need to fertilize it once a year in late winter or early spring. You can use a slow-release fertilizer or organic compost. Avoid overfertilizing, as this might cause rapid growth and weak branches, which can break easily in windy conditions.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the plant's shape and improve its health. You need to prune the plant during the dormant season, preferably in late winter or early spring, before the buds break. The goal is to remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. You can also trim the tips of the branches to encourage fuller growth.
When pruning, use sharp and sterilized tools to prevent the spread of diseases. Make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle, just above a bud. Avoid leaving stumps, as this might attract pests or diseases.
Propagation of Crataegus mollis Scheele var. sera (Sarg.) Egglest.
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. sera (Sarg.) Egglest., commonly known as the Bermuda Hawthorn, can be propagated by various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds:
The seeds of Crataegus mollis Scheele var. sera (Sarg.) Egglest. should be collected from mature fruits in the fall when they are ripe and ready to be harvested. The seeds should be cleaned and stratified at a low temperature of 33-41°F for 120 days before sowing in the spring. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination.
Propagation by Cuttings:
The cuttings of Crataegus mollis Scheele var. sera (Sarg.) Egglest. can be taken in the summer from semi-hardwood stems. The cuttings should be 2-4 inches long and should have at least 2 nodes. The leaves from the lower node should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before planting in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment, and when roots develop, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Layering:
The layering of Crataegus mollis Scheele var. sera (Sarg.) Egglest. involves bending a low branch to the ground and covering a portion of it with soil. The portion covered with soil should be wounded and treated with rooting hormone powder before burying. Once roots develop, the branch can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease Management
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. sera (Sarg.) Egglest. is susceptible to a number of diseases, which can significantly impact growth and yield. Some of the most common diseases that affect these plants include:
- Fire blight: This bacterial disease can cause the leaves and branches to wilt and turn black. It can also cause cankers on the branches. To manage fire blight, infected parts should be pruned and removed. Chemical controls may also be used, but preventative measures are key.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that can cause yellow-orange pustules to develop on the leaves. Severe cases can cause defoliation and can impact the plant's fruiting ability. Fungicides can be used as a preventative measure to manage rust.
- Scab: Scab is a fungal disease that can cause scabby spots to develop on the fruit and leaves. Severe cases can lead to defoliation and fruit drop. Fungicides can be used as a preventative measure to manage scab.
Pest Management
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. sera (Sarg.) Egglest. can also be affected by a number of pests. Some of the most common pests that affect these plants include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cluster on the leaves and stems, sucking sap from the plant. They can cause distortion and stunting of the growth. Insecticidal soap can be used to manage aphids.
- Japanese beetles: Japanese beetles can defoliate the leaves of Crataegus mollis Scheele var. sera (Sarg.) Egglest. and damage the fruit. Handpicking or using a trap can be used to manage Japanese beetles.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are small pests that can spin webs on the plant and cause yellowing of the leaves. Insecticidal soap can be used to manage spider mites.
In addition to the above pests and diseases, it is important to practice good cultural practices such as pruning and removing fallen plant material to help prevent the spread of disease. Regular inspection of the plant for signs of pests and disease can also help manage issues before they become severe.
