Overview
Crataegus mortonis Laughlin, also known as Laughlin's Hawthorn, is a flowering plant species belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is a small deciduous tree that is native to the southwestern region of the United States.Common Names
Laughlin's Hawthorn is also known by some other common names, including bur hawthorn, red hawthorn, thornapple, and Washington hawthorn.Appearance
The Laughlin's Hawthorn tree grows up to a height of about 6 to 8 meters and is characterized by its thorny branches and dense crown. The plant produces dark green, glossy leaves that grow in an alternate arrangement. In the spring season, Laughlin's Hawthorn produces aromatic white flowers that have a pleasant fragrance. These flowers are followed by bright red fruits that look like small apples and are about 1 cm in diameter.Uses
The Laughlin's Hawthorn tree has been used for various purposes in traditional medicine. The leaves, flowers, and fruits of this plant are known to have therapeutic properties and are used for the treatment of heart-related ailments such as high blood pressure, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat. The plant has also been used as a mild sedative and as a digestive aid. In addition to its medicinal uses, Laughlin's Hawthorn is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The plant is well-suited to be grown as a hedge or barrier plant due to its dense growth and thorny branches. The red fruits of the plant also attract birds and other wildlife, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens.Light Requirements
Crataegus mortonis Laughlin requires full sun exposure to grow properly. It thrives in direct sunlight, but it can also grow in partially shaded areas. However, it may not produce as many flowers or fruits when grown in the shade.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus mortonis Laughlin grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9. It prefers temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. It can tolerate colder temperatures but may be damaged by late frosts in the spring.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus mortonis Laughlin grows well in well-drained soils, but it can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The plant is tolerant of drought conditions but prefers consistently moist soil. Drainage is essential, and the soil structure should be loose to encourage root growth.
Cultivation of Crataegus mortonis Laughlin
Crataegus mortonis Laughlin, commonly known as the Mountain Hawthorn, is a small tree native to the western United States. This plant is easy to cultivate as it can thrive in various climatic conditions from cold to hot, but it does prefer slightly acidic soil. It grows best in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade.
Watering Needs for Crataegus mortonis Laughlin
Mountain Hawthorn requires regular watering, especially during the first few years of growth. The soil should remain appropriately moist, but not too wet or too dry. It is important to let the soil dry a bit before watering the plant again. During the dry season, it may require increased watering.
Fertilization of Crataegus mortonis Laughlin
Fertilization is essential for healthy growth and abundant fruit production. You should apply fertilizer during the active growing season, which typically falls between spring and early summer. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 16-16-16 is ideal. Avoid excessive fertilizer as it may result in excessive foliage growth rather than fruit production.
Pruning of Crataegus mortonis Laughlin
Pruning helps stimulate healthy growth and proper shaping of Mountain Hawthorn. You should prune the plant in winter when it is dormant. You can remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches as they appear. For shaping, you should prune the plant in early spring or late fall, removing any unwanted or overlapping branches. Avoid excessive pruning as you may damage the plant, affecting the fruit-bearing capacity.
Propagation of Crataegus mortonis Laughlin
Crataegus mortonis Laughlin, commonly known as Laughlin hawthorn, can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means. Let us discuss each method in detail below.
Sexual propagation
The seeds of Laughlin hawthorn can be harvested in late summer or early fall when they are fully ripe. After carefully cleaning and drying the seeds, they can be stored until spring when they can be sown in garden soil or containers.
The seeds need stratification in order to germinate. They can be stratified in a moist medium at a temperature of around 4°C for a period of 18 to 20 weeks before sowing. After germination, the seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots for further growth.
Asexual propagation
Laughlin hawthorn can also be propagated vegetatively through various methods including cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Softwood cuttings can be taken during the growing season from late spring to early summer, treated with rooting hormone and then planted in a suitable rooting medium. Hardwood cuttings, taken when the plant is dormant in winter, can also be rooted in a similar manner.
Layering involves bending a low-hanging branch or stem to the ground and covering it with soil. Once the covered section grows roots, it can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted.
Grafting, especially onto a rootstock of a closely related hawthorn species, can also be a successful method of propagation.
Irrespective of the propagation method chosen, the new plants should be carefully tended to, with sufficient sunlight, water, and nutrients to ensure good growth and survival.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus mortonis Laughlin
Crataegus mortonis Laughlin is a hardy plant species that is known for its resistance to pests and disease. However, it is not completely immune and may suffer from some common ailments that can significantly reduce its growth and yield if not managed early on. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect this plant species and the best ways to manage them.
Diseases
Cedar Rust: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. It is characterized by the formation of yellow to orange spots on the leaves, which later turn brown or black. To manage this disease, you should remove any infected leaves, fruits, and branches and dispose of them properly. You can also prune the branches to improve air circulation and reduce the spread of the disease. Fungicides may be applied as well.
Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the leaves, causing them to develop circular brown spots with purple margins. The infected leaves may fall off, leading to a reduction in the plant's yield. To manage this disease, you should remove any infected leaves and practice good plant hygiene. Fungicides may also be applied.
Fire Blight: This bacterial disease attacks different parts of the plant, causing them to turn brown or black. It is characterized by the sudden death of the infected branches and reduced plant vigor. To manage this disease, you should prune the infected branches and dispose of them properly. You should also spray the plant with copper-based fungicides during the dormant season to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to curl, yellow, and fall off. They also excrete honeydew that attracts other insects like ants and can lead to the growth of sooty mold. To manage aphids, you can wash them off the plant with a strong stream of water or spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mites: These are small pests that attack the plant leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. They also produce webbing on the leaves, which can make the plant unsightly. To manage mites, you can prune the affected leaves or spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Japanese Beetles: These are common pests that attack the leaves and fruits of the plant. They skeletonize the leaves and may completely defoliate the plant if left unmanaged. To manage Japanese beetles, you can handpick them off the plant or use a pesticide specifically designed to control them.
By implementing the above disease and pest management strategies, you can ensure that your Crataegus mortonis Laughlin plant is healthy and productive throughout its growth cycle.
