Origin
Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer is a species of hawthorn plant that is native to North America. Specifically, it can be found in the central and southern regions of the United States, including Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
Common Names
This plant has several common names, including Reverchon's hawthorn and Steve's hawthorn. It is also sometimes referred to by its scientific name.
Uses
While Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer is primarily grown as an ornamental plant, it also has some medicinal uses. The hawthorn plant has been used for centuries to treat cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure and angina. It is also believed to have some antioxidant properties.
General Appearance
Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer is a small tree or shrub that typically reaches heights of 10-15 feet. It has a rounded shape and features clusters of white flowers that bloom in the spring. The plant also produces small, red fruits that are sometimes used to make jams and jellies. The foliage of this plant is a dark green color, with toothed edges and a slightly glossy texture.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer plant thrives in full sunlight and partial shade. This plant requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight exposure daily for optimal growth. Partial shade is suitable for this plant as well since direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching. Inadequate light exposure can lead to poor growth, spindly stems, and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows best in zones 5 to 9 of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones. The optimal temperature for growth and flowering is between 15°C to 21°C (59°F to 70°F) during the daytime. At night, the temperature should be slightly cooler between 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F) for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate a minimum temperature of -18°C (0°F). However, extremely low temperatures can damage the plant, leading to death or stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer plant thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 to 6.5. The soil must be rich in nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to promote healthy growth. This plant requires moist soil, but it must not be waterlogged. Sandy loam or loamy soil with a high organic matter content and good drainage is optimal. The soil should be amended with organic matter, such as compost, before planting for optimal results.
Cultivation Methods
The Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer, can tolerate a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows well in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. During the first year, it is essential to water the plant regularly and keep the soil moist but not soaking wet. Opt for planting the tree in the spring or fall, and ensure that it has enough space to grow and develop healthy roots.
Watering Needs
The Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer, requires regular watering throughout the growing season. Ensure that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot and damage the plant. Water the plant deeply once a week, and increase the frequency during periods of drought or high temperatures.
Fertilization
The Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer, benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer in the spring before new growth appears. You can also fertilize the plant in the fall to support root development and overall health. Avoid applying too much fertilizer as this can burn the roots, damage the plant, and affect flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep the Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer, healthy and promote proper growth. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any damaged or dead branches, and cut back any crossing or overcrowded branches. You can also prune the plant to maintain its shape and size and promote flowering.
Propagation Methods for Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer, also known as Stevens' hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Propagating the plant is relatively simple and can be done using various methods. Below are the various propagation methods for Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest propagation methods for Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer is through seed propagation. Seeds can either be bought or collected from the plant's berries. The seeds must be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dry, and dark place before sowing. Sowing the seeds in the spring in a well-draining potting mix will enable them to germinate successfully. Keep the seeds moist, and within two to three weeks, they will have sprouted.
Softwood Cutting Propagation
Softwood cutting is another propagation method for Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer, that entails taking cuttings at the end of the spring. The cuttings should be around six inches in length with two to three leaves. Dip the lower part of the cutting in a rooting hormone, and insert the cutting in a well-draining potting mix. Water your cutting to keep the soil moist and cover it with a clear plastic bag or a cloche to maintain high humidity. After two to three months, the cutting will be well-rooted and ready to transplant.
Hardwood Cutting Propagation
The best time for taking hardwood cuttings from Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer is during winter during the plant's dormancy. Select healthy shoots that are approximately pencil-thick and cut them into lengths of six to twelve inches. Before inserting the cuttings into suitable rooting media, remove the leaves and lateral branches from the lower two inches of the cutting's base. Dip the cuttings' bottom part in rooting hormone and insert it into the rooting medium. You can transplant the cuttings in pots filled with a suitable mix during spring when the plants begin to grow.
Overall, there are various propagation methods for Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer. You can choose the most suitable propagation method depending on the available resources, time, and skills.
Disease Management
The Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer is generally a tough plant that is resistant to many diseases. However, some diseases such as leaf spot, fire blight, and cedar-hawthorn rust can still affect it.
Leaf spot is caused by a fungus that typically thrives in warm, humid weather. It manifests as small, brown spots on leaves that can grow in size if left unchecked. To manage leaf spot, it is important to keep the plant leaves dry by watering only at the base and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used as a preventative measure.
Fire blight is a bacterial infection that affects the plant branches, causing them to blacken and wilt. It is extremely contagious and can rapidly infect the entire plant if not addressed. Pruning infected branches and practicing good hygiene by cleaning your pruning tools between cuts can help stop the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be applied.
Cedar-hawthorn rust is a fungal disease that results in yellow spots on leaves, followed by the formation of rust-colored spores. To manage cedar-hawthorn rust, it is important to remove any infected leaves and plant parts and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can also be used as a preventative measure.
Pest Management
While Crataegus reverchonii Sarg. var. stevensiana (Sarg.) Palmer is generally not susceptible to pests, aphids and scale insects can still pose a significant threat.
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that attack the plant's soft new growth by sucking nutrients from it. They can be managed by physically removing them or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encouraging natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can also help control aphids.
Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to the plant's bark and feed on the sap. They can cause leaves to yellow, distort, and ultimately drop off. Pruning infected branches and using sticky traps can help control scale insects. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used.
