Overview of Crataegus Putata Sarg.
Crataegus putata Sarg. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is commonly known as Washington thorn, Putah Creek thorn, and Mendocino thorn. The plant is native to the western region of North America and can be found in states such as California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.
Appearance
The Washington thorn plant is a small deciduous tree or shrub that can grow up to 10 meters in height. It has a dense and thorny crown that contains many branches. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and have an oval shape with serrated edges. The flowers of the plant are white or pink and bloom in clusters in the spring. The fruit of the Washington thorn is a red or yellowish round pome that measures 5-10 mm in diameter.
Uses
Crataegus putata Sarg. has multiple uses, including medicinal, ornamental, and ecological applications. Native Americans have used the plant to treat ailments such as heart disease, digestive problems, and fever. The Washington thorn is also popular in landscaping due to its attractive flowers, fruit, and leaves. The plant provides habitat and food for birds and other wildlife, making it an important part of the ecosystem. Additionally, the wood of the tree is strong and durable, making it useful for making small tools and crafts.
Light Requirements:
The Crataegus putata Sarg. plant prefers full sun or partial shade. It grows well in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, if the plant is grown in a hot climate, it may benefit from receiving some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements:
The Crataegus putata Sarg. plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8 and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers a cooler climate and can suffer in extreme heat conditions or if grown in an area where winters are too mild. Ideally, the plant should be grown where winter temperatures remain below freezing but above -15°C (5°F).
Soil Requirements:
The Crataegus putata Sarg. plant grows well in a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, the soil should be well-draining and fertile, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil or soil with poor drainage. Adding organic matter, such as compost, to the soil can improve its quality and increase the plant's growth rate.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus putata Sarg., also known as several-seeded hawthorn, is a plant that grows well in temperate regions. It prefers a well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic content. This plant can tolerate light shade, but it will flourish in full sun. Gardeners should select an appropriate site for the plant, dig holes large enough to accommodate the roots, and space the plants appropriately.
Watering Needs
Like most plants, Crataegus putata Sarg. requires adequate water to grow properly. This plant prefers moist soil, but gardeners should be careful not to allow water to sit around the roots. It is important to water this plant thoroughly once per week, especially during dry spells. At the same time, gardeners should monitor the soil moisture level and adjust watering frequency if necessary.
Fertilization
Fertilization is an essential aspect of Crataegus putata Sarg. cultivation. It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer after planting and every other month. It's essential to choose an appropriate fertilizer that has a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Gardeners could also use organic fertilizer such as well-rotted manure, compost, or fish emulsion.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of Crataegus putata Sarg. care. It promotes plant health, encourages the growth of new branches, and improves the plant's shape. Pruning should be done in early spring or fall. Most hawthorn species respond well to heavy pruning. For Crataegus putata Sarg., gardeners should remove any broken, diseased, or damaged branches. They should also cut back any overly-long branches to encourage lateral growth.
Propagation of Crataegus putata Sarg.
Crataegus putata Sarg. can be propagated through various methods, which include:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Crataegus putata Sarg. is through seeds. Collect fresh seeds, clean them, and stratify them in the refrigerator for 60 to 90 days. After stratification, sow the seeds in a well-drained potting mix and keep the soil moist. Germination may take several weeks to months.
Cuttings Propagation
Crataegus putata Sarg. can also be propagated through softwood cuttings taken in the late spring or early summer. Select healthy, vigorous shoots and take cuttings that are at least three inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining medium. Keep the soil moist and cover the cutting with a plastic bag to retain moisture. Within a few weeks, the cutting should root and begin to grow.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another way to propagate Crataegus putata Sarg. by joining a scion (a shoot from the desired variety) to a rootstock (a seedling of another related species). This method is commonly used to propagate large numbers of trees and to maintain specific cultivars. The best time to graft is in the spring when the bark is slipping. After grafting, protect the graft union with grafting wax or paraffin until it has healed.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus putata Sarg.
Crataegus putata Sarg., commonly known as the dotted hawthorn, is a small tree primarily grown for ornamental purposes. However, the plant is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can cause damage and even death. Fortunately, there are a few effective strategies that can be employed to manage these threats.
Common Diseases
Fire blight is one of the most dangerous diseases that can affect the Crataegus putata Sarg. This bacterial disease can kill the tree in a matter of weeks, especially during warm and humid weather. Symptoms include blackened leaves and branches, as well as a burnt appearance on the affected areas. It is essential to remove and destroy any infected parts of the tree, along with proper pruning and use of disease-resistant cultivars to manage fire blight effectively.
Cedar-hawthorn rust is another disease that can affect the Crataegus putata Sarg. It is caused by a fungus that can manifest in orange, powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and fruit of the tree. Leaves may also become distorted or fall off the tree prematurely. Proper pruning, sanitation, and identifying resistant cultivars can prevent this disease from taking hold.
Common Pests
The Crataegus putata Sarg. can be affected by several common pests. The woolly apple aphid is a pest that often feeds on the roots, suckers, and developing shoots of the tree. These pests secrete a sticky substance that can attract other insects and cause mold growth. One way to manage woolly apple aphids is to promote a healthy growing environment for the tree, with adequate sunlight and regular fertilization. Biological control agents, such as ladybugs or lacewings, can also be used to combat a severe infestation.
Tent caterpillars and webworms are common pests that can affect Crataegus putata Sarg. trees as well. These pests can defoliate the tree, which can hinder its growth and development. One effective way to manage these pests is to remove and destroy their egg masses to reduce the population of these pests.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests that affect Crataegus putata Sarg. requires proper identification and treatment of the specific threats. Employing proper pruning, sanitation practices, and using chemical or biological control agents when necessary can keep the tree healthy and thriving.
