Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. (pro Sp.)

Origin

Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. (pro sp.) is a plant hybrid hailing from the rose family Rosaceae. The plant is a cross between two different Crataegus species. One of the parent plants might be C. mollis, while the other is still unknown. This hybrid plant is believed to have originated in North America.

Common Names

The Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. (pro sp.) has a number of common names including Rough-Leaved Hawthorn, Downy Hawthorn, and Apple Hawthorn. These names are a direct reference to the plant's key characteristics, such as its rough texture and apple-shaped fruit.

Uses

Despite being a hybrid species, the Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. (pro sp.) is still useful. The plant and its fruits can be used for medicinal purposes due to their high content of flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins. These compounds have been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. The fruits of the Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. (pro sp.) are edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, and teas.

General Appearance

The Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. (pro sp.) is a deciduous shrub or small tree with a rough, gray bark and an irregular, spreading shape. It can grow up to a height of about 25 feet. The plant's leaves are dark green, coarsely toothed, and roughly oval-shaped. They have a hairy texture on the upper surface and a smooth texture underneath. The flowers are white or pink and grow in clusters. The plant's fruit is a small, round, red or orange-colored pome, similar in shape and taste to an apple.

Growth Conditions of Crataegus ×puberis Sarg.

Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. is a hybrid plant that grows well in a variety of environmental conditions. However, it thrives best in specific growth conditions that are suitable to its growth needs. In this regard, the following are the typical growth conditions of Crataegus ×puberis Sarg.:

Light Requirements

Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. prefers growing in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. The plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight to thrive well. When grown in shade, its growth may be stunted, and the flowers and fruits may be affected. Therefore, it is best to grow Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. in an area that receives ample sunlight to ensure optimal growth.

Temperature

Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. is a cold-hardy plant that can withstand different temperature conditions. However, the ideal temperature range for its growth is between 60-75°F during the day and 50-60°F at night. During winter, the plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F without damage. However, extreme heat can stress the plant and reduce its growth and productivity.

Soil Requirements

Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. grows well in well-drained moist soil with a pH of between 6.0-7.5. It prefers fertile loamy soil with organic matter content that promotes healthy growth and development. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged or compacted soil, which can lead to root rot and other issues. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the soil is well-drained and aerated before planting Crataegus ×puberis Sarg.

Cultivation Methods

Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. (pro sp.), also known as the applehawthorn, is a small deciduous tree that is commonly cultivated for its attractive foliage and flowers. It prefers growing in a well-draining sandy loam soil, enriched with organic matter. This plant needs to be placed in an area that receives full sunlight or partial shade.

It is propagated via seeds, cuttings, and grafting. Seeds must be stratified in moist sand for at least 90 days before planting. Cuttings can be taken from well-developed shoots and should be at least 10 cm long. These are rooted in a sand-bed and kept moisturized. Grafting is a common propagation method where a scion from a desirable cultivar is grafted onto a rooted rootstock.

Watering Needs

The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. The watering frequency should be adjusted based on the soil moisture and weather conditions. In general, it is better to water deeply and less frequently than to water shallowly and more often. During periods of drought, the plant should be watered more frequently to prevent wilting.

Fertilization

Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. is a light feeder. The plant does not require frequent fertilization, but an annual application of balanced fertilizer is beneficial. It is recommended to fertilize the plant after the blooming period, preferably in early fall.

Pruning

Pruning is required to maintain an attractive shape and size of the plant. It is best to prune the plant during the dormant season, preferably during late winter or early spring. Dead, diseased, or broken branches should be removed as soon as they are noticed. Light pruning to remove the suckers and water sprouts should be done to promote healthy growth. The plant benefits from as much sunlight and air circulation as possible. Heavy pruning should be done every few years to rejuvenate the plant and promote a more compact growth habit.

Propagation of Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. (pro sp.)

Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. (pro sp.) is a deciduous tree or shrub species that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is commonly known as the downy hawthorn and it is native to North America. This plant is commonly used for landscaping, erosion control, and wildlife habitat establishment. Propagation of Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. (pro sp.) can be done through various methods, including seed propagation, cuttings, and division.

Seed propagation

Seed propagation is one of the easiest ways to propagate Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. (pro sp.). The seeds can be collected from the ripe fruit during summer or autumn. Before planting, the seeds need to be stratified for at least 60 days to break their dormancy. Stratification can be done in moist sand or peat moss, kept in a cool place for the required period. After stratification, the seeds can be sown outdoors in fall or early spring. It is recommended to sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. The seedlings will emerge in spring.

Cuttings propagation

Cuttings propagation is another effective method to propagate Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. (pro sp.). The cuttings can be taken in summer or fall when the plant is in active growth. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should include at least two nodes. The lower half of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. It is recommended to keep the cutting in a shaded area and mist it regularly until it roots. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted to a larger pot or outdoors.

Division propagation

Division propagation is a method that involves breaking up the root ball of an established plant into several smaller pieces. This method can be used to propagate Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. (pro sp.) in early spring or fall. The plant should be dug up carefully and the root ball should be divided into several sections using a sharp knife. Each section should have a healthy growth on it. The divided plant can be planted in well-draining soil and watered regularly until it is established.

Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus ×puberis Sarg.

As with any plant, Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. is also susceptible to pests and diseases. To maintain its health and vigor, appropriate disease and pest management measures must be taken.

Common Diseases

Some of the most common diseases that can affect Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. are:

• Cedar Apple Rust: It is caused by the fungus Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae. The disease can cause defoliation and weaken the plant. To manage it, remove any infected plant material and keep the area clean. Also, use fungicides as may be prescribed by a specialist.
• Fabraea Leaf Spot: This fungal disease can cause premature defoliation. Affected leaves show brownish-gray spots with a yellow halo, and the fungus can also infect the fruit and twigs. Fungicides are effective, but preventative measures like proper pruning and keeping the area clean are also important.
• Fire Blight: This bacterial disease can affect fruits, flowers, and twigs. The infected plant parts look burned, and the bacteria can spread rapidly. To prevent it, remove infected plant material, and use antibiotics as recommended by a specialist.

Common Pests

The most common pests that can affect Crataegus ×puberis Sarg. are:

• Apple Maggot: This fly species can lay eggs on the fruits, leading to spoilage and damage. Effective measures include planting resistant varieties, using sticky traps, and applying insecticides as directed by a specialist.
• Aphids: These tiny insects suck sap from the leaves and stems, weakening the plant. They can also transmit viral diseases. To manage them, use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or other effective insecticides as recommended by a specialist.
• Spider Mites: These tiny insects can cause leaf discoloration and premature defoliation. They thrive in dry conditions. To manage them, increase the humidity levels around the plant and use insecticidal soaps or miticides as may be recommended by a specialist.

Proper cultural practices like selecting healthy stock and planting in well-drained soil can also prevent potential diseases and pest problems. Proper watering and fertilizing regimes can also help keep the plant healthy and vigorous.