Overview
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. ellwangeriana (Sarg.) Egglest. is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is a spiny ornamental plant native to North America, particularly found in the Midwestern and Eastern regions of the United States. Some common names for this plant include Ellwanger’s hawthorn, Scarlet Hawthorn, and Washington Thorn.
Appearance
The plant typically grows up to 10 to 20 feet tall with a medium growth rate. It has a dense and rounded crown with an equal spread. The plant’s leaves are serrated or doubly serrated and are suborbicular or obovate in shape, measuring 1.5-3.5 cm long and 1.5-4 cm wide. The flowers of Crataegus pedicellata var. ellwangeriana are small and white, while the fruit is a red or orange pome that measures around 8-10 mm in diameter. The fruit is edible and is often consumed by birds.
Uses
Crataegus pedicellata var. ellwangeriana is primarily used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes due to its beautiful white flowers, red/orange fruits, and spiny branches. The plant is also used in natural medicine, particularly in traditional Native American remedies. The fruits and flowers of the plant are used for treating problems such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and high blood pressure. The plant’s bark is known to contain flavonoids that have antioxidant properties, leading to its use in formulating various herbal supplements.
Cultivation
Crataegus pedicellata var. ellwangeriana grows best in well-drained soils but can tolerate other types of soil as well. The plant requires full sun exposure to grow and does not do well in shaded areas. The plant is sensitive to drought and requires regular watering to ensure growth and survival. It is a hardy plant that can survive in USDA zones 4-8.
Pests and Diseases
The plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but some common problems include leaf spot, fire blight, and rust. Regular pruning and appropriate spraying with insecticides and fungicides can help control these issues.
In summary, Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. ellwangeriana is a hardy shrub with spiny branches, beautiful white flowers, edible fruit, and medicinal properties. It is a great ornamental plant for gardens and landscapes and has been used for centuries in traditional Native American remedies due to its many health benefits.Light Requirements:
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. ellwangeriana (Sarg.) Egglest. is generally a sun-loving plant and requires full sun to grow well. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can negatively affect its growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant species is native to the southeastern United States and can grow well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9. It is adapted to thrive in a wide range of temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. ellwangeriana (Sarg.) Egglest. is between 60-80 °F, and it can tolerate temperatures as low as -15 °F and as high as 100 °F.
Soil Requirements:
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. ellwangeriana (Sarg.) Egglest. prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.0-8.0. The ideal soil type for this plant is loamy soil, which provides good drainage and aeration. It can also grow well in sandy or rocky soil, but it may require more fertilization and watering. This plant is not tolerant of waterlogged soil or poorly drained sites.
Cultivation
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. ellwangeriana (Sarg.) Egglest. can be grown in various soils, but prefers well-draining loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant requires adequate sunlight, so it should be grown in locations that get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
It is essential to provide adequate spacing between the plants, as they can grow up to 6 meters tall and around 5 meters wide. Proper spacing also ensures good air circulation, which helps to prevent fungal diseases.
Watering Needs
The Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. ellwangeriana (Sarg.) Egglest. plant requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. Typically, the plant should be watered deeply once a week, especially during the hot months of summer. If the soil is dry to the touch, it is an indication that the plant needs water. During winter, watering frequency should be reduced to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
The Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. ellwangeriana (Sarg.) Egglest. plant needs fertilization to maintain good growth and health. Use a slow-release fertilizer application in early spring before the growing season starts. Alternatively, you can use a liquid fertilizer during the growing season, which should be applied every two weeks. However, avoid over-fertilizing since this may result in leaf growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. ellwangeriana (Sarg.) Egglest. plant, especially when it attains maturity. Pruning helps to enhance air circulation and sunlight penetration, leading to healthy growth. You should prune the plant during late winter or early spring when they are dormant. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Additionally, remove any branches that cross or rub against each other, and cut back a third of the previous year's growth to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. ellwangeriana (Sarg.) Egglest.
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. ellwangeriana (Sarg.) Egglest. can be propagated by several methods:
Seed Propagation
The plant can be easily propagated from seeds. Collect mature seeds as soon as the fruits ripen and sow them immediately. The seeds require no special treatment for germination. Sow the seeds in a good quality potting mix and keep it moist. The seeds will germinate within a few weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings of Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. ellwangeriana (Sarg.) Egglest. can be taken from the current year's growth in late spring or early summer. Take cuttings of approximately 6-8 inches in length and remove all the leaves except for the top few. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining propagation mix. Keep the soil moist and maintain high humidity levels until the cuttings root, which usually takes around 3-4 weeks.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another propagation method that can be used for Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. ellwangeriana (Sarg.) Egglest. It involves joining a cutting from the desired plant onto a rootstock of a related plant. This method generally produces a stronger and more productive plant than seed or cutting propagation. Grafting is usually done in early spring when the plants are dormant or in late summer when the plants are actively growing.
Disease Management
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. ellwangeriana (Sarg.) Egglest. is susceptible to a few diseases that can be controlled with proper measures. Here are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Fire Blight
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that can cause wilting and blackening of leaves, stems, and flowers. It can be controlled by pruning the infected parts of the plant and using copper-containing bactericides.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. The infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and fungicides should be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on leaves, flowers, and fruit. It can be controlled by removing the infected parts of the plant and using fungicides.
Pest Management
Several pests can also attack Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. ellwangeriana (Sarg.) Egglest. and cause damage to the plant. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles are a common pest that can feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruit of the plant. They can be controlled by handpicking and using insecticides.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, flat insects that can attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be controlled by removing the infected parts of the plant and using insecticidal soaps.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that can cause discoloration and early leaf drop. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with water, using insecticidal soaps, or introducing predatory mites.
