Origin
Crataegus pagensis Sarg., commonly known as Pagosa hawthorn, is a species of hawthorn native to the Pagosa Springs area of southwestern Colorado in the United States. It belongs to the Rosaceae family, which includes other plants such as apples, pears, plums, and roses.
Common Names
The Pagosa hawthorn is also known by several other common names, including Colorado hawthorn, dwarf hawthorn, and Pagosa Springs hawthorn.
Uses
Crataegus pagensis Sarg. is primarily used for ornamental purposes due to its beautiful and unique characteristics. Its small size, slow growth rate, and thorny branches make it an excellent choice for hedges and screens. Its white flowers, green leaves, and red fruits are also aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the fruits are edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, and sauces.
General Appearance
The Pagosa hawthorn is a small deciduous tree or shrub that grows up to 8 feet tall and wide. It has a dense, compact, and rounded form with a slow growth rate. The leaves are oval-shaped, glossy, and dark green, turning to orange or reddish-purple in the fall. The flowers are white, small, and fragrant, blooming in early spring. The fruits are round, bright red, and about 0.25 inches in diameter, maturing in late summer or early fall.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus pagensis Sarg.
Crataegus pagensis Sarg. is a species of hawthorn that is native to North America, specifically in the southeastern United States. This small tree or shrub can grow up to 10 feet tall and is typically found in open fields, meadows, and along the edges of woods.
Light Requirements
Crataegus pagensis Sarg. thrives in full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. It is recommended to plant this species in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus pagensis Sarg. is adapted to a wide range of temperatures and can tolerate both heat and cold extremes. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9, withstanding temperatures as low as -20°F (-28°C) in the winter and as high as 100°F (38°C) in the summer.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus pagensis Sarg. can grow in a variety of soil types but prefers those that are slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It can tolerate sandy soils and clay soils, but it needs well-drained soil to avoid root rot. This species is adapted to both moist and dry conditions but requires regular watering during the first few years of establishment.
Overall, Crataegus pagensis Sarg. is a hardy species that can adapt to different growth conditions. As long as it receives enough sunlight, is planted in well-draining soil, and is kept well-watered, it is likely to thrive.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus pagensis Sarg., also known as the Pagosa hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to the southwestern United States. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and showy flowers.
In order to cultivate Crataegus pagensis Sarg., you should plant it in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter and a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
You can propagate Crataegus pagensis Sarg. from seeds, cuttings, or grafts. When planting seeds, it is best to scarify them by nicking the seed coat with a file or sandpaper to encourage germination.
Watering Needs
Crataegus pagensis Sarg. requires regular watering to establish its root system and ensure healthy growth. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil type.
You should avoid overwatering the plant, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal infections. Make sure to check the soil moisture regularly and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Fertilization
Crataegus pagensis Sarg. benefits from regular fertilization to provide it with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development. You should fertilize the plant in early spring before new growth begins and again in early fall after the growing season has ended.
You can use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, or a specialized fertilizer for flowering shrubs and trees. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of Crataegus pagensis Sarg. cultivation and care. The plant responds well to pruning and shaping, which helps to promote healthy growth, remove dead or damaged wood, and maintain its overall shape and size.
You should prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can also prune to shape the plant or control its size.
When pruning, use clean, sharp pruning shears and make clean cuts just above a growth node or branch collar. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant's total growth in a single pruning session, as this can stress the plant and reduce its vigor.
Propagation of Crataegus pagensis Sarg.
Crataegus pagensis Sarg., commonly known as Pagosa hawthorn, can be propagated through different methods. This plant is typically propagated through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through seeds
Propagation through seeds is considered as the simplest method to reproduce Pagosa hawthorn. The seeds can be collected during the fall season when the fruit ripens. Once harvested, the seeds should be placed in a container filled with moist sand and kept in a cool and dry place for about three months. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a seedbed or individual pots. It is essential to keep the soil moist and provide adequate sunlight for germination.
Propagation through cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another option to propagate Crataegus pagensis Sarg. It involves taking semi-hardwood cuttings during the late summer or early fall from the parent plants. The cuttings should be about six inches long and include at least two nodes. They should then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a container filled with a rooting medium. The container should be covered with a plastic sheet to maintain humidity, and the cuttings should be kept in a shaded area until roots start appearing.
Propagation through grafting
Grafting is a more complicated method of propagation, but it results in a more desirable hybrid tree. This method involves grafting a scion from the parent plant onto a rootstock from a closely related species. The rootstock should be of the same age as the scion and grown in a healthy and disease-free environment. The scion is then grafted onto the rootstock using grafting tape or wax. The newly grafted plant should then be kept in a cool and shaded area until it takes root, and the graft union heals.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus pagensis Sarg.
Crataegus pagensis Sarg., commonly known as Paga hawthorn, is a deciduous tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can harm its growth and development. Proper disease and pest management are essential to ensure the plant's health and longevity. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them:
Diseases
Fire blight: This bacterial disease causes tissue death and can lead to branch dieback or death of the entire plant. Symptoms include wilted, brown or blackened leaves, and twig cankers. Manage fire blight by pruning affected branches and disinfecting pruning tools after each cut with a solution of 70% rubbing alcohol or 10% bleach.
Leaf spots: Leaf spots are caused by fungi that cause circular or irregular spots on the leaves, which can merge and cause defoliation. Keep the area around the plant clean, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected leaves to manage leaf spot diseases.
Cedar apple rust: This fungal disease causes yellow spots on leaves, followed by rust-colored spots on the undersides, fruit blemishes, and premature fruit drop. Manage cedar apple rust by removing nearby juniper, cedar, and other alternative host plants, and using fungicides if necessary.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves and stems, causing them to yellow and curl. They also excrete honeydew, which attract other pests and promote the growth of sooty mold. Manage aphids by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, or releasing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings.
Scale insects: Scale insects are small, oval, and covered with a waxy shell that protects them from predators and insecticides. They feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing, wilting, and leaf drop. Manage scale insects by removing them with a soft toothbrush dipped in alcohol, applying horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps, or using natural predators like ladybugs or parasitic wasps.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing stippling of the leaves and fine webbing on the plant's foliage. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can quickly multiply. Manage spider mites by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water, increasing humidity around the plant, applying horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, or using natural predators like ladybugs or predatory mites.
Preventing and managing diseases and pests in Crataegus pagensis Sarg. require careful monitoring, proper cultural practices, and timely intervention. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of damage, maintain good sanitation, avoid over-fertilization and over-watering, and use integrated pest management methods to control pests and diseases effectively.
