Introduction
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer is a species of hawthorn plants and a member of the Rosaceae family. It is native to North America, particularly found in the eastern part of the continent, such as Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Robeson County hawthorn, Pedicellate hawthorn, and Appalachian hawthorn.Appearance
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows up to 10 meters tall and has a rounded crown. The bark is gray-brown and has small fissures. The leaves are dark green, shiny, and have serrated edges. The flowers are white, fragrant, and appear in early spring, clustered in groups of 5-20 blossoms. The fruit of the Robeson County hawthorn is a red-pink pome that becomes ripe in late summer and early fall.Uses
The fruit of the Robeson County hawthorn is edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as heart disease, digestive issues, and high blood pressure. The leaves, flowers, and berries are used medicinally to make tea, tinctures, and extracts. Additionally, the plant's strong and durable wood has been used for tool handles and fence posts.Light Requirements
The Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer plant requires bright and direct sunlight to grow correctly. The plant thrives in full sun exposure, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Inadequate light exposure can result in stunted or weak growth.
Temperature Requirements
The Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer plant is well adapted to temperate climatic conditions. The plant can tolerate freezing temperatures and even light frost during the winter season. However, during the summer season, the plant thrives in moderate temperatures ranging between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer plant prefers well-drained soil, although it can also grow in heavy soils with good aeration. The soil must be slightly acidic with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant also prefers fertile soils rich in organic matter. Additionally, the soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods of Crataegus Pedicellata Sarg. var. Robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as Robeson hawthorn, is a small ornamental tree that belongs to the rose family. The plant is native to the southeastern region of the United States. To cultivate this plant, you should:
- Choose a sunny location for planting, although the plant can also tolerate partial shade
- Ensure that the soil is well-drained and fertile
- Plant the tree during the spring season, when the soil is warm and moist
- Water the plant regularly during the first two years of growth, until it becomes established
Watering Needs of Crataegus Pedicellata Sarg. var. Robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer requires an adequate amount of water to thrive. The plant prefers slightly moist, well-drained soil. Young trees require frequent watering during the first two years of growth. Mature trees do not need as much water and can withstand periods of drought. Water the plant deeply, but be careful not to over-water, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Crataegus Pedicellata Sarg. var. Robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer does not require heavy fertilizer applications. The plant thrives in fertile soil. It is recommended to apply compost or organic fertilizer to the base of the tree once a year, during the spring season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning of Crataegus Pedicellata Sarg. var. Robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer
Pruning is an essential part of maintaining the shape and health of the Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer tree. Prune the tree during the dormant season, when the plant is not actively growing. Remove any damaged or diseased branches, as they can affect the overall growth of the plant. Thin out overcrowded branches to encourage better air circulation and light penetration. Do not prune more than one-third of the tree's branches at a time, as this can stress the plant.
Propagation of Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer, also known as Robeson hawthorn, is a deciduous tree that can be propagated by several methods. The plant can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagation for Crataegus pedicellata is by using seeds. The seeds of the plant are collected from the tree during the fall season. After the seeds are collected, wash them under running water to remove any remaining fruit or flesh. The seeds are then left to dry for a few days before being stored in a cool, dry place until planting. Plant the seeds in a pot with well-draining soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water the seeds lightly, and place the pot in a spot where it receives indirect sunlight.
After germination, the seedlings will take two to three years to grow before they are ready for transplanting. Seed propagation often produces slightly different plants than the parent plant, so the offsprings may not have the exact same traits as the parent plant.
Propagation by Cuttings
The hawthorn can also be propagated by cuttings collected during the late spring or early summer. Collect the cuttings from the current year's growth that contains semi-hardwood or hardwood, which is mature enough but is not hardened by the bark. The cuttings should be 6 to 8 inches long.
Cut off the leaves from the bottom third of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Insert the cutting into a pot with well-draining soil. Water the cutting lightly, and place the pot in a spot where it can receive indirect sunlight. After about a month, you should see new growth, which is an indication that the cutting has rooted. It usually takes one to two years for the cuttings to grow in size and be ready for transplanting.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is a method of propagation usually used for the hawthorn variety that is difficult to propagate via seeds or cuttings. Grafting involves taking a piece of the hawthorn tree, the scion, and attaching it to the rootstock tree. The scion will contain the desired characteristics of the Robeson hawthorn, such as improved disease resistance or fruit quality, which the rootstock lacks.
The rootstock tree may be a smaller-sized, more resilient tree species that is better suited for the growing conditions in which the new tree will be planted. Grafting is usually carried out in late winter, and it involves making a diagonal cut on the rootstock tree to create space for the scion to be attached. By wrapping and sealing the joint with grafting tape, the new hawthorn tree grows with better characteristics than the rootstock tree.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to always use healthy and disease-free plant materials. With proper care, the Robeson hawthorn can be reproduced and used to enhance the beauty of gardens or farms.
Disease Management
Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer is prone to several diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Cedar-apple rust
Cedar-apple rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and fruit of Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer. The disease causes yellow spots and blotches on the leaves that eventually lead to defoliation. On the fruit, it causes circular rust-colored spots with a yellowish halo. To manage cedar-apple rust, practice good sanitation by removing infected plant material and debris from around the tree. Fungicide applications can also be effective in preventing the disease.
Fire blight
Another bacterial disease that Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer is susceptible to is fire blight. The symptoms of this disease include wilting, discoloration, and sometimes a "shepherd's crook" bending of the branches. To manage fire blight, prune infected branches as soon as possible and dispose of them properly. Avoid overhead irrigation and fertilizing with too much nitrogen, as these practices can increase the likelihood of the disease developing.
Black spot
Black spot is a fungal disease that affects Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer's leaves, causing black spots that lead to defoliation. To manage black spot, remove any infected leaves and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicide applications can also help prevent the disease.
Pest Management
Along with diseases, pests can also cause significant damage to Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Apple maggot
Apple maggot is a common pest of Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer. The larvae of these flies burrow into the fruit and feed, causing it to rot and drop prematurely. To manage apple maggot, use insect traps and spray insecticides during the appropriate times of the year.
Tent caterpillars
Tent caterpillars are another pest that can cause significant damage to Crataegus pedicellata Sarg. var. robesoniana (Sarg.) Palmer. These caterpillars build tents on the branches and leaves and feed on the foliage. To manage tent caterpillars, prune away any tents and dispose of them properly. Insecticide applications can also be effective at controlling the population.
