description of Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus is a genus of thorny trees and shrubs native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer, also known as Reverchon's hawthorn or Ashe's hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree that grows to a height of up to 5-6 meters.
origins and common names
This plant is native to North America and is commonly found in the south-central part of the United States, particularly in Texas and Oklahoma. Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor is named after botanist Julien Reverchon, who discovered this species in the late 19th century. It is also known as Ashe's hawthorn, in honor of Samuel Ashe, another American botanist.
general appearance
The Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor tree has rough, grey-brown bark and short, sharp thorns that grow along its branches. The leaves are dark green and have serrated edges. The flowers of Reverchon's hawthorn are white and grow in clusters. The fruit of the tree is a small, red pome that is used in jams and jellies.
uses
In addition to being used in culinary applications, the fruit of this tree has been found to possess astringent properties and has been used in alternative medicine to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and hemorrhages. The medicinal components of this plant include flavonoids, including hyperoside and vitexin, as well as tannins, which contribute to its astringent qualities. Finally, the thorny branches of the Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor make it a popular choice for use in hedgerows or as a barrier plant.
Light Requirements
Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer typically grows in areas with partial to full sunlight exposure. It prefers receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to the United States and is typically found in regions with a warm temperate climate. It can tolerate both hot and cold temperatures, but extreme temperature variations might affect its growth. The optimal temperature range for the plant is from 65°F to 85°F. It can survive temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as 110°F.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, the plant might not thrive in extremely alkaline soils. The soil should have good water retention capacity, but it should not be waterlogged, as this might lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods for Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as the Reverchon hawthorn, is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 15-20 feet high and 10-15 feet wide. It is native to North America and is well-suited to cultivation in gardens and landscapes.
The tree prefers a location with well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. Plant the tree in a location that is protected from strong winds.
Young trees should be watered frequently during hot and dry weather to keep the soil moist. Once the tree is established, it can tolerate some drought. Mulching around the base of the tree can help to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Watering needs of Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer
Regular watering is important for young trees of Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer, especially during hot and dry weather. Water the tree deeply once a week, making sure to saturate the soil around the roots. Avoid watering the leaves of the tree, as this can lead to disease.
Once the tree is established, it can tolerate some dryness. Water the tree during extended periods of drought or if the leaves appear wilted or yellowing.
Fertilization of Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer
Fertilization of Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer can help to promote healthy growth and flowering. Fertilize the tree in the spring, just before new growth begins. Use a balanced fertilizer, with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Avoid fertilizing the tree in the fall, as this can encourage new growth that might not have time to harden off before winter.
Pruning of Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer
Pruning of Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer should be done during the dormant season, either in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Thin out any crossing branches or branches that are growing towards the center of the tree. This will help to promote good airflow and sunlight throughout the tree and will also prevent disease.
If the tree is overgrown, it can be pruned back harder to rejuvenate growth. However, avoid cutting back more than one-third of the tree's total growth in a single season.
Propagation of Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer is commonly propagated through grafting and cuttings. These methods are widely used to maintain the desired traits of the plant such as disease resistance and fruit size.
Grafting
The most common method used to propagate Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer is through grafting onto compatible rootstock. The ideal time for grafting is during the dormant season, which is typically between late winter and early spring.
Grafting involves joining the rootstock of one plant to the scion (top part) of another. The rootstock is usually selected for its strong, vigorous root system, while the scion is chosen for its desirable fruit size, shape, and disease resistance. The two parts are then bound together using grafting tape or wax, and placed in a moist, protected environment to encourage root growth.
Cuttings
Another propagation method for Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer is through cuttings. This method involves taking a section of stem, usually around six inches long, and planting it in a growing medium where it will take root.
Before planting, the leaves are stripped from the lower portion of the cutting, and any remaining leaves are trimmed to reduce water loss. The cutting is then dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth and planted in a potting mix that is kept moist. The cutting should be kept in a protected environment with high humidity until roots begin to form, which can take up to several weeks.
While grafting and cuttings are the most common methods for propagating Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer, other methods such as layering and tissue culture can also be used. However, these methods are less commonly used due to their complexity and expense.
Disease Management
Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer is relatively resistant to diseases. However, some common diseases that may affect the plant are:
- Cedar-Hawthorn Rust: This fungus causes small yellow spots on the leaves, which later develop into orange spots with black dots. To manage this disease, remove all infected plant parts, apply fungicides, and plant resistant cultivars.
- Fabraea Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes yellow spots with brown margins on the leaves. Leaves may also fall prematurely. To manage this disease, apply fungicides, remove and burn infected plant parts, and prune the plant to improve air circulation.
- Fire Blight: This bacterial disease is characterized by brown or blackened shoots, withered leaves, and blackened flower parts. To manage this disease, prune the plant regularly to remove infected parts, apply antibiotics, and promote good air circulation.
To prevent diseases, practice good plant hygiene, avoid overhead watering, and plant resistant cultivars. Also, ensure that the plant has adequate air circulation, sunlight exposure, and water drainage.
Pest Management
The following pests may affect Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. discolor (Sarg.) Palmer:
- Hawthorn Lace Bug: This pest causes brown leaves with white speckles. To manage this pest, apply insecticidal soap, prune the plant regularly, and promote natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
- Hawthorn Spider Mite: This pest causes yellow and speckled leaves. To manage this pest, apply insecticidal soap, prune the plant regularly, and promote natural predators such as mites and spiders.
- Hawthorn Psyllids: These pests cause distorted and curled leaves. To manage this pest, prune the plant regularly, apply insecticidal soap, and promote natural predators such as ladybugs and birds.
To prevent pest infestations, ensure that the plant has adequate water, nutrients, and sunlight, prune the plant regularly, and remove and dispose of any fallen leaves and fruits. Also, use insecticidal soap and other natural pest control methods such as spraying with a strong jet of water or using beneficial insects.
