Overview
Crataegus oxyacantha auct. non L., commonly known as Hawthorn or Maybush, is a thorny shrub or small tree that belongs to the rose family, Rosaceae. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, but is widely cultivated and naturalized in other parts of the world. Hawthorn has a long history of medicinal and culinary uses dating back to ancient times.
Appearance
Hawthorn grows up to 5-15 meters tall with a dense, thorny, and bushy habit. The bark is dark brown and smooth on young branches, but becomes fissured and grey with age. The leaves are small, glossy, and deeply lobed, with serrated edges. The flowers are white or pink, with five petals and numerous stamens, and appear in clusters in late spring. The fruit is a bright red or yellowish pome, about 1 cm in diameter, containing a few seeds.
Uses
Hawthorn has been used for various medicinal purposes, particularly for heart and circulatory disorders, such as angina, high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure. The active compounds in hawthorn include flavonoids, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), and triterpene acids, which are believed to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and protect against oxidative damage.
Hawthorn berries and leaves are also used in traditional cuisine, especially in jams, jellies, sauces, and wine, due to their tart and slightly sweet flavor. The flowers are sometimes used as a herbal tea or tincture.
Hawthorn is also planted as an ornamental shrub or tree in parks and gardens because of its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruits, as well as for its ability to stabilize soil and provide wildlife habitat.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus oxyacantha plant requires full sun for optimal growth and development. The plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Insufficient sunlight can result in weak and spindly growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows in a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate high temperatures but growth is affected during extreme heatwaves. Crataegus oxyacantha prefers temperatures between 15°C and 25°C during the growing season. Winter dormancy can endure temperatures as low as -25°C but is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4–8.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils, and it can grow in various soil types ranging from sandy to heavy clay soils, however, it prefers loamy soils. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate dry soils, but watering on a regular basis during the growing season will support better growth.
Cultivation Methods for Crataegus oxyacantha
Crataegus oxyacantha, commonly known as hawthorn, is a small, deciduous tree or shrub that is ideal for gardens and landscapes. It is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia and is easy to grow in a variety of soil types. To cultivate hawthorn, plant it in a sunny to partially shaded area with well-draining soil. Avoid planting in areas with heavy clay soil or poorly drained soil.
Watering Needs for Crataegus oxyacantha
Hawthorn requires moderate watering during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once every week or two, depending on the weather conditions. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Avoid over-watering the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Crataegus oxyacantha
To encourage healthy growth, fertilize the hawthorn in early spring before new growth appears. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. Avoid fertilizing the plant in late summer or fall, as this can encourage late-season growth that may not harden off before winter.
Pruning of Crataegus oxyacantha
Prune hawthorn in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Trim back the ends of the branches to encourage fuller growth. Avoid pruning more than 1/3 of the plant in a single year, as this can stress the plant and inhibit growth.
Propagation of Crataegus oxyacantha
Crataegus oxyacantha, commonly known as hawthorn, is a woody perennial shrub that belongs to the rose family. Hawthorn propagation is commonly done through two methods: sexual and asexual propagation.
Sexual Propagation
Hawthorn can be propagated through its seeds. Collect seeds from hawthorn berries when they are fully ripe and sown in the fall or early winter. Use a seed tray or pots filled with a light, well-drained soil mix and cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Keep the tray or pots in a cool place, such as a refrigerator, for three months. Once the seeds germinate, remove them from the refrigerator and place them in a warm, bright location. Transplant the seedlings when they are large enough to handle into larger pots or directly in garden soil.
Asexual Propagation
There are several asexual propagation methods that can be used for hawthorn. These include layering, cuttings, grafting, and budding.
Layering: This propagation method involves bending a low-growing branch down to the ground and securing it with a wire. Gently scrape the section of the branch where it touches the soil, add rooting hormone, and bury the section under the soil. Keep the soil moist, and within a year, roots should form. After roots have formed, cut the branch from the parent plant and transplant the new plant.
Cuttings: Cuttings should be taken from semi-ripe wood from mid to late summer. Take a cutting that is about six inches long, remove the lower leaves, and make a cut just below a node. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and place it in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, and within a few weeks, roots should begin to form.
Grafting: Grafting involves fusing the stem of one plant onto the rootstock of another plant. This method is used to produce plants with specific characteristics. It is typically done in the late winter or early spring. Cut the stem from the desired plant and make a diagonal cut at the bottom. Cut the rootstock at a similar angle and make a vertical cut halfway through the center of the stem. Slide the stem into the rootstock, so the cuts line up, and secure the two pieces with grafting tape.
Budding: Budding is similar to grafting, but only a bud is used instead of a stem. Take a bud from the desired plant and place it under the bark on the trunk or branch of the rootstock plant. Secure it with budding tape and wait for the bud to grow into a new plant.
Regardless of the propagation method used, hawthorn plants prefer well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. With proper care, hawthorn plants can grow 20 to 30 feet tall and provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus oxyacantha
Crataegus oxyacantha, also known as hawthorn, is a popular shrub that is planted for its colorful flowers and ornamental fruits. This plant is generally quite resistant to pests and diseases, however, certain conditions can make them more susceptible to these problems. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and some ways to manage them:
Leaf Spots
Leaf spots are a common problem for hawthorns and are caused by fungi such as Entomosporium and Diplocarpon. If left uncontrolled, leaf spots can cause severe defoliation and ultimately result in the death of the plant. To manage this problem, avoid planting hawthorns in areas with poor air circulation and keep the area around the plant free of fallen leaves and debris. If necessary, apply a fungicide labeled for use on hawthorns.
Cedar-Apple Rust
Cedar-apple rust is a fungal disease that affects both hawthorns and apple trees. This disease causes yellow spots on the leaves, which eventually turn brown and drop off. To manage this problem, remove any nearby cedar trees and treat infected plants with a fungicide labeled for use on hawthorns.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. These pests are common on hawthorns and can cause leaves to curl and wilt. To manage this problem, blast the affected area with a strong stream of water to dislodge the aphids. If necessary, apply a pesticide labeled for use on hawthorns.
Scales
Scales are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the underside of leaves or on the branches of the hawthorns. They suck the sap of the plant, causing yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. To manage scales, use a soft-bristled brush to remove them manually or apply a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are small, worm-like insects that can munch on hawthorn leaves, causing defoliation. To manage caterpillar infestations, manually remove the insects or apply a pesticide labeled for use on hawthorns.
Regular observation, proper plant selection, and prompt action are the keys to maintaining a healthy hawthorn plant. Follow these disease and pest management guidelines to keep your hawthorns healthy and beautiful all year round.
