Overview of Crataegus placens Sarg.
Crataegus placens Sarg. is a plant species in the Rosaceae family, commonly known as Pacific hawthorn or Apple hawthorn. It is native to western North America, specifically in British Columbia to California and eastward to Idaho and Montana. The plant thrives in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and rocky slopes.
General Appearance of Crataegus placens Sarg.
The Pacific hawthorn is a deciduous shrub or small tree, usually growing between 2 and 6 meters in height. The bark of the trunk and branches is grayish-brown and has a rough texture. The leaves of the plant are lobed, dark green, and shiny, measuring between 2 and 5 centimeters long. The flowers of the Pacific hawthorn are white to pink, forming in clusters of up to 20 blooms and measuring around 1 centimeter wide. The fruit of the plant is a small red or orange pome, measuring between 1 and 1.5 centimeters in diameter.
Uses of Crataegus placens Sarg.
The fruit of the Pacific hawthorn is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a slightly sweet taste, similar to that of a crabapple. The fruit can also be used to make jelly, jam, and wine. The plant's wood is hard and durable, making it useful for making handles, tool parts, and fence posts. The bark of the plant has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat heart conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart failure. Studies have also shown that the plant has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus ?placens Sarg.
Crataegus ?placens Sarg. is a small tree or shrub that typically grows up to 12 feet tall and is native to regions of central and eastern North America. To ensure its optimal growth, it is crucial to understand its basic growth requirements.
Light
Crataegus ?placens Sarg. requires full sun exposure for at least 6 hours per day to grow and thrive. The plant can tolerate partial shade; however, it will not flower as abundantly if it is deprived of full sun exposure.
Temperature
The plant is cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C). The ideal temperature range for the plant’s growth is between 60°F and 80°F (15.5°C-26.6°C). Even though the plant can tolerate high temperatures, it will need extra care and attention during hot and dry spells since it does not tolerate drought well.
Soil
The plant grows well in well-draining and moist soil that is fertile and slightly acidic, with a pH range between 6.0-6.5. The root system of Crataegus ?placens Sarg. is shallow and fibrous. Therefore, it is essential to keep the soil relatively moist, especially during the growing season.
Regular fertilization can be beneficial to enhance growth and flowering. It is best to establish a consistent fertilization schedule as per the plant needs. The best time for fertilizing is in early spring, after the last frost.
Overall, Crataegus ?placens Sarg. is relatively easy to grow, provided its growth requirements are met. Proper sunlight exposure, adequate soil moisture, and regular fertilization will ensure its healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods for Crataegus?placens Sarg.
Crataegus?placens Sarg. is best grown from fresh seeds collected in fall and stratified over the winter season. Prepare a potting mixture of equal parts of loam, peat moss, and sand, and sow the seeds in early spring. Lightly cover the seeds with soil, keeping the potting mix moist but not wet. Place the pots in a warm, bright place, and the seeds should germinate within two months.
Watering Needs for Crataegus?placens Sarg.
Crataegus?placens Sarg. requires moderate watering, particularly during growth periods, but avoid over-watering the plant. Allow the topsoil to dry slightly between watering to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Increase watering during the hot, dry summer months and reduce in the winter season.
Fertilization for Crataegus?placens Sarg.
Fertilize Crataegus?placens Sarg. with a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in spring, before the new growth. Follow the instructions on the package and avoid over-fertilizing the plant, which can result in excessive leaf development at the expense of flowers and fruits.
Pruning for Crataegus?placens Sarg.
Prune Crataegus?placens Sarg. to maintain its desired shape and size and to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged stems. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring before the new growth appears. Use clean, sharp pruners, making cuts at a 45-degree angle and ensure that you do not remove more than one-third of the plant's branches in one season.
Propagation of Crataegus ?placens Sarg.
Crataegus ?placens Sarg., also known as the San Diego hawthorn, can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, stem cuttings, and grafting.
Seed propagation
Seeds can be collected from the fruit of a matured tree. The seeds need to be stratified, meaning, exposed to cold temperatures of about 4°C for 90-120 days. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in seed trays or directly in the soil. The soil should be moist and well-drained. Germination can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are a common method of propagation for most hawthorn species. Semi-hardwood cuttings are taken in the fall or early spring from a healthy, disease-free plant. Cuttings should be about 6 inches long with a diameter of ¼ to ½ inch. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-drained soil mix and cover it with a plastic bag to retain moisture. After about 2-4 weeks, check for root development, and if the cutting has rooted, the plastic bag can be removed.
Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced method of propagation and involves joining a scion from a desirable tree onto a rootstock of a compatible tree species. Grafting is typically done in the winter or early spring. The bark of both the scion and rootstock is sliced and fitted together, then wrapped with grafting tape. The grafted plant is then placed in a moist, warm area until it has established. The top part of the graft (the scion) will grow into a new tree while using the rootstock for support and nutrients.
Disease Management
Crataegus placens Sarg. is susceptible to a range of fungal diseases such as apple scab, cedar hawthorn rust, and fire blight. To prevent these diseases, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene and sanitation practices. This includes removing plant debris and fallen leaves from around the plant and pruning infected branches regularly. Fungicides can be used as a preventative measure in the early spring before buds break, but the most effective means of control is the use of resistant cultivars.
Pest Management
Several species of insects can cause damage to Crataegus placens Sarg. One of the most common pests is the hawthorn lace bug, which feeds on the sap of the plant and causes yellowing and browning of leaves. To control this pest, it is important to maintain healthy plant growth by providing adequate water and nutrients. Insecticides can be used if necessary, but it is best to avoid them as they can harm beneficial insects and cause secondary pest problems. Other pests that may affect the plant include the hawthorn leafminer and the eastern tent caterpillar.
