Plant Description
Crataegus ouachitensis Palmer var. minor Palmer is a small tree or a large shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and has a rounded shape. The plant is known for its dense foliage and thick trunk that can grow up to 6 inches in diameter.
Origin and Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Ouachita Mountain hawthorn. It is native to the Ouachita Mountains region in Arkansas, United States. The plant is also found in Oklahoma and Missouri. The species is named after the Ouachita Mountains where it is predominantly found.
Uses
The plant has several medicinal uses. The bark, flowers, and fruits of the plant are believed to have diuretic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. The fruits of the plant have also been used to relieve stomach and digestive problems.
In addition to its medicinal use, the Ouachita Mountain hawthorn is also grown as an ornamental plant. The plant produces beautiful white flowers in the spring that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. The dark red fruits that appear in the fall are also eye-catching and add to the plant's ornamental value.
Overall Appearance
The plant has glossy green leaves that turn reddish-orange in the fall. The leaves are ovate and have serrated edges. The flowers of the Ouachita Mountain hawthorn are white, and the fruits are dark red with a juicy pulp. The bark of the tree is smooth and gray, and as it ages, it begins to develop shallow fissures.
The plant is an important part of the ecosystem in the Ouachita Mountains. It provides food for several species of birds and mammals, including deer, raccoons, and squirrels. The plant's dense foliage also provides shelter for small animals and birds.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus ouachitensis Palmer var. minor Palmer
Light: Crataegus ouachitensis Palmer var. minor Palmer grows best in full sun or partial shade. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to stimulate healthy growth and blooming. In shaded or partially shaded areas, the plant may grow spindly and have fewer flowers.
Temperature: This species of hawthorn is cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -25°F (-32°C) if it is well-established. It can tolerate moderately hot temperatures of up to 90°F (32°C) if it is well-watered and the soil is not dry. However, during the first year of growth, it is best to protect the plant from extreme conditions to ensure a strong root system.
Soil Requirements: Crataegus ouachitensis Palmer var. minor Palmer prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. The ideal soil pH for this plant is between 6.5 and 7.5. If the soil is too alkaline or too acidic, the plant may suffer from nutrient deficiencies or toxicity.
Water: This plant prefers moderate watering that allows the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. During drought conditions, it may be necessary to increase watering frequency to prevent the plant from becoming stressed.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium to stimulate blooming. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth and decreased flower production.
Cultivation
Crataegus ouachitensis Palmer var. minor Palmer, also known as the Ouachita Mountain hawthorn, is a deciduous, thorny shrub that is native to the southeastern United States. It prefers a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 5-9.
When planting, make sure to provide sufficient room for the plant to grow. Hawthorns have a deep root system and prefer a wider, shallow planting hole rather than a narrow, deep one. It is best to plant the shrub in early spring or in the fall when the temperatures are cooler.
Watering Needs
Careful attention to watering is important during the initial establishment period. After the plant is established, it is relatively drought-tolerant and only needs regular watering during periods of prolonged drought. It is important not to overwater, as the plant can be susceptible to root rot if left in waterlogged soil.
Fertilization
Crataegus ouachitensis Palmer var. minor Palmer does not require regular fertilization. However, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring to promote healthy growth and flowering. It is important to avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, as this can promote vegetative growth over flowering.
Pruning
Hawthorns should be pruned in late winter or early spring while dormant. This can help remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as promote healthy new growth. It is important to wear protective clothing and gloves when pruning, as the plant's thorns can be quite sharp.
When pruning, it is important to make clean cuts just above a bud or lateral branch. Avoid leaving stubs or making rough cuts, as this can promote the growth of fungal diseases. Hawthorns also tend to sucker from the base, which can be controlled by removing suckers growth.
Propagation of Crataegus ouachitensis Palmer var. minor Palmer
Crataegus ouachitensis Palmer var. minor Palmer is a small flowering plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The plant can be propagated by several methods such as seed, cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Propagation by Seed
The easiest way to propagate Crataegus ouachitensis Palmer var. minor Palmer is through seed. The plant produces fruit from which you can extract the seeds. The seeds need to be stratified for a few months before planting in the spring. After a period of 60-120 days of stratification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a sunny location. The seedlings will emerge in 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another method of propagation is by cuttings. Take hardwood cuttings from the parent plant in late fall or winter. Make a cut 6-8 inches long and remove all but the top two or three leaves. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining soil mix. Water the cuttings and cover them with a plastic bag to retain moisture. Keep the pot in a partially shaded location and make sure to mist the cuttings daily. The cuttings will root in about four to six weeks.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is a technique whereby the branches of the parent plant are encouraged to produce roots at the point of contact with the soil. Bend one of the lower branches toward the soil in the late spring or early summer and bury the branch tip in the soil. Secure the branch in place with a small rock or piece of wire. Keep the soil moist and wait for the roots to form. Once the roots have developed, cut the branch from the parent plant and transplant to a new pot.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is a method of propagation that involves joining a cutting from the desired plant onto the rootstock of another plant. The rootstock should be selected for its desirable root characteristics. Cut off the desired scion from the parent plant and slit the bark on the rootstock. Insert the scion into the slit and wrap it tightly with grafting tape. Keep the plant in a cool, protected location until the graft takes, and the scion begins to grow.
Disease Management
There are several common diseases that affect Crataegus ouachitensis Palmer var. minor Palmer, including:
- Cedar Rust: This fungal disease causes yellowish-orange spots on the leaves, which eventually turn brown and fall off. It can also cause galls on the stems and branches. To manage cedar rust, remove all infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can also be used to treat the disease.
- Fireblight: This bacterial disease causes the leaves and stems to wilt and turn black. It can also cause cankers on the branches. To manage fireblight, prune back infected branches to healthy wood and destroy all infected plant parts. Copper fungicides can also be used to treat the disease.
- Leaf Spots: These fungal diseases cause small brown spots on the leaves, which can eventually merge together. To manage leaf spots, prune back infected branches to increase air circulation and dispose of infected plant parts. Fungicides can also be used to treat the disease.
Pest Management
There are several pests that commonly affect Crataegus ouachitensis Palmer var. minor Palmer, including:
- Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing them to distort or curl. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the insects.
- Scale Insects: These small, immobile insects attach themselves to the branches and suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing of the leaves. To manage scale insects, prune back heavily infested branches and treat with horticultural oil.
- Mites: These tiny insects feed on the underside of the leaves, causing stippling or discoloration. To manage mites, spray the plant with a strong blast of water to dislodge them. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to treat the infestation.
