Origin
Crataegus pertomentosa Ashe is a species of flowering plant in the rose family, Rosaceae, native to North America. It is commonly found in the southeastern United States, ranging from Florida to Texas, as well as up into Missouri and Kentucky.
Common Names
Crataegus pertomentosa Ashe is commonly known as the white thorn, silver hawthorn, or southern thorn.
Uses
Crataegus pertomentosa Ashe has several uses. The plant's fruit is edible and has been used in jams, jellies, and teas. The bark, leaves, and fruit of the plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. Additionally, the plant is often used for ornamental purposes in landscaping due to its beautiful white flowers and green foliage.
Appearance
Crataegus pertomentosa Ashe is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 8 meters in height. The plant has prickly branches and green leaves that are oval-shaped with serrated edges. White flowers bloom in the late spring and early summer, and the fruit is a red berry-like pome. The bark of the plant is gray-brown and rough with vertical ridges.
Light requirements
Crataegus pertomentosa Ashe, commonly known as the southern thorn, prefers full to partial sun exposure to perform photosynthesis. This plant can also tolerate some shade, but not total shade. Direct sunlight is necessary for optimal growth and fruit production.
Soil requirements
The southern thorn grows well in well-drained, loamy soils. This plant can tolerate some degree of acidity, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0-7.0). The soil must be nutrient-rich and able to retain moisture to ensure proper growth. This plant can tolerate dry spells, but not flooding conditions.
Temperature requirements
The southern thorn thrives in a warm and temperate climate. The plant can tolerate extreme temperatures, but prefers a temperature range of 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C) for optimal growth. These plants are hardy and can tolerate frost and cold weather. However, prolonged periods of sub-zero temperatures or extreme heat may negatively impact the growth and development of this plant.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus pertomentosa Ashe, commonly known as white hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree that requires full sun to partial shade and a well-drained soil for proper growth. It can be grown from seeds or propagated by stem cuttings. The tree prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 and can tolerate drought conditions once established. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Watering Needs
White hawthorn trees require consistent and moderate watering during their first year of growth. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, and it is important to avoid overwatering. However, after the first year, the tree becomes more drought-tolerant and requires less watering. Watering should be reduced during the tree's dormant period in the winter.
Fertilization
White hawthorn trees do not require frequent fertilization, but a yearly application of a balanced fertilizer during early spring can help promote growth and flowering. It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production. A soil test can also help determine any specific nutrient deficiencies that need to be addressed.
Pruning
Pruning white hawthorn trees should be done during the dormant season in late winter or early spring. It is important to remove any diseased, damaged, or dead branches, as well as any crossing branches that can cause rubbing and damage to the tree's bark. Light pruning can also be done to shape the tree and remove any excessive growth. It is important not to heavily prune or remove more than one-third of the tree's canopy at once, as this can stress the tree and reduce flower production.
Propagation Methods for Crataegus Pertomentosa Ashe
Propagating Crataegus pertomentosa Ashe can be done through various methods, including seed propagation, cuttings, layering, and grafting. Here are some details about each method:
Seed Propagation
Seeds from Crataegus pertomentosa Ashe can be sown directly into the soil in the fall or stratified, if necessary, to promote germination. For stratification, keep the seeds in the refrigerator for a few weeks before planting. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 2-3 times their own size and kept moist. The germination process can take up to a year, and the resulting plants may not be true to the parent plant.
Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from the plant's current year's growth in the summer. Take cuttings that are about 6-8 inches long with 2-3 nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in potting soil and keep it moist until roots develop. Once roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted into the ground.
Layering
Layering is another simple method for propagation. Bury a horizontal stem of the plant about 2-6 inches beneath the soil, leaving the tip exposed. The buried portion of the stem will develop roots and can be severed from the parent plant once it has taken root. This method is best done in the spring.
Grafting
Grafting Crataegus pertomentosa Ashe onto rootstock is a more complex method of propagation. This method involves taking a scion from the desirable plant and attaching it to compatible rootstock. The two plant parts are usually joined together with a grafting wax or tape and kept in a humid environment for efficient bonding. This method is often used to propagate cultivars of the plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus Pertomentosa Ashe
Crataegus pertomentosa Ashe, commonly known as the roughleaf hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree or shrub that is native to North America. Although it is a hardy and adaptable plant, it is still susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause health issues and damage to the plant. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Cedar-Hawthorn Rust: Cedar-hawthorn rust is a fungal disease that attacks members of the rose family, including Crataegus pertomentosa Ashe. The disease is most common in areas with wet springs and can spread quickly. Symptoms include yellow spots on the upper surface of the leaves, orange or yellow spots on the bottom of the leaves, and swollen galls on twigs. To manage cedar-hawthorn rust, remove the galls and infected twigs and keep the area around the plant clean. Also, avoid planting cedar trees close to the hawthorn.
Fire Blight: Fire blight is a bacterial disease that can affect many plants, including Crataegus pertomentosa Ashe. Symptoms include withered leaves and twigs, and blackening of the branches. To manage fire blight, prune out the infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Also, disinfect pruning tools between cuts to avoid spreading the disease.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to wilt and curl. They can also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts ants and can promote fungal growth. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock them off, introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, or use insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking out the plant's sap. They produce webbing, which can cover the leaves and stems of the plant, affecting its growth and development. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock them off, introduce natural predators, such as predatory mites or ladybugs, or use insecticidal soap.
Regular monitoring of the plant helps to detect and manage any issues early. Also, ensure the plant is healthy by providing it with proper growing conditions.
