Origin
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. albicans (Ashe) Palmer, also known as Ashe's hawthorn or white-clustered hawthorn, is a species of small deciduous tree or shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. This plant is native to the southeastern region of the United States, particularly found in Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
Common Names
Ashe's hawthorn or white-clustered hawthorn are the most common English names for this plant. It is also known by other names such as Ashe's thornapple, Ashe's crataegus, albicans hawthorn, and white hawthorn.
Uses
The fruits of Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. albicans have long been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as heart diseases, digestive disorders, and respiratory problems. The bark and leaves of the plant also have medicinal properties and can be used to make tea or extracts. The wood of this plant is hard and durable, making it useful for small woodworking projects.
General Appearance
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. albicans is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has a dense, thorny crown and produces white or pinkish flowers that bloom in clusters during the spring season. The small, round fruits of the plant are red and resemble miniature apples. The leaves of this plant are green and have a distinctive shape with deep lobes and serrated edges. The bark of the plant is gray and smooth, with shallow fissures.
Light
The Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. albicans (Ashe) Palmer thrives in full sun to partial shade. The plant requires an average of six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow healthily. However, it can tolerate a few hours of shade or filtered light.
Temperature
The plant species grows well in a range of temperatures. During the summer season, the ideal temperature range is between 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, during winter, the plant's temperature range must be between 10 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. albicans (Ashe) Palmer prefers well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil must have a pH level between 5.0 to 7.5 to establish healthy plant growth. You can amend the soil with compost or leaf mold to improve drainage and fertility. Moreover, this plant can also adapt to a range of soil types, including loam, sand, and clay.
Cultivation of Crataegus Pedicellata Sarg. var. Albicans (Ashe) Palmer
Crataegus Pedicellata Sarg. var. Albicans (Ashe) Palmer commonly known as Ashe's hawthorn is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and prefers well-drained soil. Ashe's hawthorn can be grown in garden beds or as a hedge
Watering Needs
Proper watering is essential for the growth and survival of Ashe's hawthorn. The plant prefers moist but well-drained soil. During prolonged periods of drought, the plant should be watered deeply at least once every week. Avoid overwatering as it may cause root rot and damage the plant's growth.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, Ashe's hawthorn should be fertilized at regular intervals. A well-balanced fertilizer should be applied in early spring and mid-summer to renew soil nutrients. In addition, organic materials like compost and manure can be added to improve soil fertility and promote microbial activity.
Pruning
As Ashe's hawthorn grows, it may require pruning to ensure a well-maintained shape. Pruning can be carried out during the dormant season in late winter or early spring. Dead or diseased branches must be removed as soon as they are identified. Avoid overpruning as it may weaken the plant and affect its growth.
Propagation of Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. albicans (Ashe) Palmer
Propagation of Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. albicans (Ashe) Palmer is best done through seeds or cuttings, as these methods have proven to be successful in producing viable and healthy plants.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. albicans (Ashe) Palmer can be collected from mature fruits that ripen in early autumn. The collected seeds can be sown immediately or stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring. Scarification of seeds would help in hastening the germination process. Germination rates are generally higher when seeds are sown in the spring and kept moist until germination occurs. Seedlings can be transplanted to the permanent plantation site during the following growing season.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings of Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. albicans (Ashe) Palmer are best taken from semi-hardwood or hardwood from the current season's growth in late summer or early autumn. Cuttings are generally 15-20cm in length, with the leaves removed from the lower part of the stem, and a 2-3 nodes left at the top. These cuttings are then treated with a rooting hormone before planting them in a well-drained rooting medium. The cuttings should root within six weeks to two months. Once rooted, the cuttings are transplanted into their permanent location in the following growing season.
Disease Management
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. albicans (Ashe) Palmer is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Some of the most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Cedar-Apple Rust: This disease is caused by the fungus Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae. It causes yellow spots that turn brown or black on the leaves. Management strategies include removing any nearby infected juniper trees and applying a fungicide.
- Hawthorn Rust: This disease is caused by the fungus Gymnosporangium globosum. It causes yellow spots on the leaves and bright orange spots on the stems. Management strategies include removing any nearby infected juniper trees and applying a fungicide.
- Fire Blight: This disease is caused by the bacteria Erwinia amylovora. It causes wilting and blackening of the leaves and stems. Management strategies include pruning infected branches and applying a copper-based fungicide.
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by several fungi, including Entomosporium mespili. It causes circular red spots on the leaves. Management strategies include removing infected leaves and applying a fungicide.
Pest Management
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. albicans (Ashe) Palmer is also susceptible to several pests. Some of the most common pests that can affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves. Management strategies include applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can multiply rapidly and cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. Management strategies include applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale Insects: These small pests can be difficult to notice and can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Management strategies include applying horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
