Description of Crataegus ohioensis Sarg.
Crataegus ohioensis Sarg., also known as the Ohio hawthorn or Scarlet hawthorn, is an deciduous tree belonging to the family Rosaceae. This tree is native to eastern United States, particularly found in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
General Appearance
The Ohio hawthorn is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to a height of 30 feet. The tree has a dense, rounded crown and a straight trunk that is up to 12 inches in diameter. The bark of the tree is gray to brown in color with vertical fissures. The branches are horizontal and develop thorns that are 1 to 4 cm long. The leaves of the tree are deciduous, glossy, and toothed with a serrated margin. They are 2 to 3 inches long and have a dark green color. The flowers are white or pinkish-white with a diameter of ¾ inch and appear in May.
Uses
The Ohio hawthorn has various uses, one of which includes ornamental purposes because of its beautiful flowers and dense foliage. The tree is also known to provide wildlife habitat, as birds and small animals feed on its fruits and leaves. The fruits of the Ohio hawthorn, which are small and red, can be eaten raw or made into jams and jellies. Some people also use the fruits to flavor cakes and pies. The Ohio hawthorn is also used in traditional medicine as a remedy for digestive disorders and heart-related ailments.
In summary, the Ohio hawthorn or Scarlet hawthorn is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to eastern United States. It has a straight trunk, dense foliage, and beautiful white or pinkish-white flowers that appear in May. The tree also produces small red fruits that is often used for culinary purposes or as traditional medicine for digestive and heart disorders.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus ohioensis Sarg.
Crataegus ohioensis Sarg. is a small tree or a large shrub that is native to the Eastern United States. It typically grows in open woodlands, prairies, and thickets. The following are the typical growth conditions required for Crataegus ohioensis Sarg.
Light
Crataegus ohioensis Sarg. requires full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth and development. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to thrive. The tree can tolerate shade, but it may not flower as well if it is too shaded.
Temperature
Crataegus ohioensis Sarg. is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers a temperate climate with cool to mild summers and cold winters. The ideal temperature range for Crataegus ohioensis Sarg. is between 10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F) during the growing season. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F) during the dormant season.
Soil
Crataegus ohioensis Sarg. prefers well-drained soils that are moist and fertile. The optimal soil pH range for this tree is between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils as long as they are well-drained. The tree can also grow in rocky soils and limestone soils.
In summary, Crataegus ohioensis Sarg. is a hardy plant that prefers full sunlight to partial shade and a temperate climate with cool to mild summers and cold winters. The plant prefers well-drained soils that are moist and fertile, with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. The tree can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy or clay soils as long as they are well-drained.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus ohioensis Sarg., commonly known as Scarlet Hawthorn, is a hardy and adaptable plant that grows well in different growing conditions. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. It also thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Scarlet Hawthorn can be propagated by seeds or hardwood cuttings. However, it is important to note that seed-grown plants can take up to five years to mature and produce fruit. Therefore, hardwood cuttings are the preferred method of propagation as they are faster and produce a plant that is identical to the parent plant. To propagate Scarlet Hawthorn through hardwood cuttings, prune the stem from a healthy parent plant and place it in a rooting hormone. The cutting should be planted in well-drained soil, and the soil kept moist until roots are established.
Watering Needs
The Scarlet Hawthorn plant requires moderate watering and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during the growing season. It is best to avoid over-watering and waterlogging as these can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. During dry spells or in areas with low rainfall, the plant may require more frequent watering to maintain adequate moisture levels.
Fertilization
Scarlet Hawthorn typically does not require regular fertilization, and the plant can extract nutrients from the soil. However, adding nutrient-rich organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, during planting and periodically thereafter can improve soil fertility and plant growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can encourage excessive growth and disease susceptibility.
Pruning
To maintain plant shape and promote flowering, Scarlet Hawthorn requires regular pruning. This is best done during the dormant season, preferably in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Thin out any overcrowded or crossing branches, and shorten any excessively long branches. Regular pruning helps to ensure air circulation within the plant canopy, which in turn reduces the risk of fungal infections.
Propagation Methods for Crataegus ohioensis Sarg
There are several ways to propagate Crataegus ohioensis Sarg., also known as Ohio hawthorn or cockspur hawthorn. These propagation methods include:
Seed Propagation
One of the most popular ways to propagate Ohio hawthorn is through seed. The seeds can be collected from the ripe fruit in the fall and then sown in the spring. Before sowing, the seeds should be stratified for a few months to break their dormancy. This process can be accomplished by storing the seeds in a bag with some moist peat or sand in the refrigerator for about 90 days. After stratification, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist until germination occurs.
Cuttings Propagation
Another propagation method for Ohio hawthorn is by using cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings in the early summer or early fall. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Remove any leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, and place it in a location with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist, and the cutting should start to root in about 4-6 weeks.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a more advanced propagation method that involves attaching a cutting or scion from the desired plant onto a rootstock of a related species. This method is often used for Ohio hawthorn cultivars. The timing of grafting depends on the type of grafting used, but it usually takes place in early spring. After grafting, the graft union should be wrapped with grafting tape and kept in a warm, humid location until it has healed.
Regardless of the propagation method used, Ohio hawthorn typically grows fairly slowly initially. It can take a few years before they reach maturity, so patience is key when propagating this plant.
Disease Management for Crataegus ohioensis Sarg.
Crataegus ohioensis Sarg. is a relatively disease-resistant plant species, but they may still develop a few common fungal and bacterial diseases.
Cedar-Quince Rust
Cedar-Quince Rust is a common disease of many hawthorn species, including Crataegus ohioensis Sarg. The disease can cause defoliation, stem cankers and distorted growth on infected plants. The primary hosts of Cedar-Quince Rust are junipers, and the disease usually affects hawthorns that are growing near infected junipers.
To control Cedar-Quince Rust, pruning the junipers around the infected plant can mitigate the disease. Early-season fungicide sprays might protect healthy plant tissues from infection.
Fire Blight
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that commonly affects hawthorns. The symptoms of Fire Blight include wilted leaves that turn black, and the infected twigs will bend in a manner that resembles a shepherd's crook.
The best practice for controlling fire blight is to prune out diseased branches or twigs to an area of healthy growth. Applying copper-based fungicides, before infection, could be a preventative measure against the disease.
Pest Management for Crataegus ohioensis Sarg.
Crataegus ohioensis Sarg. is typically affected by a few pests that infrequently cause severe infestation. Here are some common pests of hawthorns.
Apple Maggot
Apple Maggots are common pests of many fruit trees, including crabapples related to hawthorns, like Crataegus ohioensis Sarg. These pests infest hawthorns in late summer and result in inedible fruit.
To control apple maggots, remove infested fruit and place them in sealable bags, then discard them. Another way to manage the pest is by using sticky red balls to attract and trap adult apple maggots. Unsprayed fruit trees around the infected plant must be protected with insecticides to prevent apple maggot damage.
Hawthorn Lace Bug
Hawthorn Lace bugs are small, winged insects that affect hawthorns, including Crataegus ohioensis Sarg. The larvae and adults of the insect collect on the upper side of the foliage, leading to damage to the leaves and defoliation.
The best approach to control hawthorn lace bugs is by using insecticidal soap or oil in early spring when the insects are actively feeding and laying eggs.
