Origin
Crataegus roanensis Ashe var. fluviatilis (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the River hawthorn, is a species of hawthorn that is native to the southeastern United States, specifically the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee.
Common Names
Crataegus roanensis Ashe var. fluviatilis (Sarg.) Kruschke is commonly known as the River hawthorn due to its origin and natural habitat. It is also known as the Roan Mountain hawthorn, Cumberland hawthorn, and Tennessee hawthorn.
Uses
Crataegus roanensis Ashe var. fluviatilis (Sarg.) Kruschke has a long history of medicinal uses. The berries, leaves, and flowers of the plant have been traditionally used to treat various ailments such as heart conditions, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. It is also used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance with its small white flowers in the spring and red berries in the fall.
General Appearance
Crataegus roanensis Ashe var. fluviatilis (Sarg.) Kruschke is a small deciduous tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. It has a rounded crown, with dark green leaves that are lobed and toothed. The flowers are small, white, and have a fragrant smell. The red berries that appear in the fall are also small, about 1 cm in diameter. The bark of the tree is gray and smooth, but becomes rougher with age.
Light Requirements
Crataegus roanensis Ashe var. fluviatilis (Sarg.) Kruschke is a plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It can tolerate some degree of shade but may not produce as many flowers if grown in areas with less sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this species in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The typical growth temperature range for Crataegus roanensis Ashe var. fluviatilis (Sarg.) Kruschke is between 60-80°F. This species can handle occasional mild frosts, but it is not suitable for regions with excessively high or low temperatures. It is not tolerant to extremely hot and dry conditions, so it is essential to ensure adequate irrigation during hot weather and maintain moist soil conditions.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus roanensis Ashe var. fluviatilis (Sarg.) Kruschke requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, slightly acidic, and can hold moisture. The soil pH should be between 5.5-6.5, which is slightly acidic. The plant also requires regular watering, especially during the early stages of growth, to ensure optimal health.
Cultivation
Crataegus roanensis Ashe var. fluviatilis (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the Roan Mountain hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall. It is primarily found in moist soils along rivers and is native to the southeastern United States. When cultivating this plant, it is important to provide it with full sun to partial shade and a well-draining soil that retains moisture. It is recommended to plant it in the spring or fall and space them at least six feet apart to allow enough room for growth.
Watering Needs
Roan Mountain hawthorn requires regular watering, especially during the first growing season. It prefers moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought once established. It is crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering to prevent waterlogging. During hot and dry weather, extra watering may be necessary to prevent the plant from drying out.
Fertilization
The Roan Mountain hawthorn doesn't require heavy fertilization, as excess nitrogen can lead to weak growth and susceptibility to disease. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied in early spring before new growth appears. Organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, can also be used to provide necessary nutrients naturally. Too much fertilizer can cause excessive foliage growth and reduce the number of flowers and fruit produced.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of the Roan Mountain hawthorn. It should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed, and any crossing branches or suckers should be pruned back to maintain a healthy structure. It is important not to remove more than one-third of the plant during pruning, as this can cause stress and reduce overall growth and flowering. Regular pruning also helps to increase flower and fruit production and maintain the plant's health.
Propagation of Crataegus roanensis Ashe var. fluviatilis (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus roanensis Ashe var. fluviatilis (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the Riverbank hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the rose family and is native to the southeastern United States. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seeds
Propagation through seeds is suitable for Riverbank hawthorns that have not been propagated previously or for obtaining plants with improved traits. Fresh fruits of the Riverbank hawthorn should be collected and cleaned from pulp using water. Once they are clean, they should undergo cold and moist stratification for three to four months to soften their hard coat and break dormancy. After stratification, the seeds should be sown in a well-drained seedbed and maintained in a greenhouse or in a protected location until they mature. Seed propagation may take up to three years to produce plants large enough to transplant to their permanent location.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings can be achieved by collecting semi-hard stem cuttings from the Riverbank hawthorn during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be approximately 6 inches long with at least two nodes, and the basal leaves should be removed to reduce transpiration. Afterward, the cuttings are treated with a rooting hormone, planted in well-drained soil, and maintained in a humid environment until new roots and shoots develop. Transplanting of rooted cuttings should be done the following spring.
Grafting
Grafting is the most reliable method of propagating the Riverbank hawthorn as it ensures that the new plant possesses the same characteristics as the parent plant. The most common grafting method used for Riverbank hawthorn is whip grafting. In this method, a scion from the desired cultivar is attached to the rootstock of a closely related Crataegus species with a diameter of about 1/4 inch. Afterward, the grafted plant is maintained in a low light environment, kept moist, and protected until the graft has healed.
Propagation of Crataegus roanensis Ashe var. fluviatilis (Sarg.) Kruschke can be achieved through seeds, cuttings, and grafting. The method used will depend on the desired outcome, available resources, and propagation experience.
Disease Management
Crataegus roanensis Ashe var. fluviatilis (Sarg.) Kruschke is susceptible to various diseases that may affect its growth and yield. The common diseases that affect Crataegus species include fire blight, cedar-apple rust, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Fire blight: Fire blight is a bacterial disease that causes twigs and branches to turn brown and die. Copper-based fungicides can help control the spread of fire blight. Sanitation practices, such as pruning infected branches and cleaning pruning tools, can also help reduce the spread of the disease.
Cedar-apple rust: Cedar-apple rust is a fungal disease that causes yellow spots on leaves and orange lesions on twigs and fruits. Applying fungicides containing triadimefon or myclobutanil can help prevent the disease. Removing nearby cedar trees and junipers can also help reduce the spread of the disease.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on leaves. Preventive measures, such as proper sanitation and use of fungicides containing chlorothalonil can help reduce the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery substance to appear on the leaves. Fungicides containing myclobutanil or horticultural oil can help control and prevent the disease.
Pest Management
Crataegus roanensis Ashe var. fluviatilis (Sarg.) Kruschke is also vulnerable to pest attacks that may cause significant damage to the plant. The common pests that attack Crataegus species include aphids, scales, mites, and borers.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and curl. Insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or horticultural oils can help control and prevent the spread of aphids.
Scales: Scales are small insects that appear as small bumps on the leaves and twigs. Applying horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps can help control and prevent the spread of scales.
Mites: Mites are small insect-like creatures that can cause the leaves to discolor and drop. Insecticides containing neem oil or horticultural oils can help control and prevent the spread of mites.
Borers: Borers are insects that lay their eggs under the bark of the tree, causing damage to the cambium layer. Preventative measures, such as proper pruning and maintaining tree vigor, can help reduce the occurrence of borers. Insecticides containing permethrin or bifenthrin can also help control and prevent the spread of borers.
