Overview
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. asperifolia (Sarg.) Kruschke is a type of hawthorn plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a small tree or shrub that is native to eastern North America, including parts of the United States and Canada.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Roughleaf Hawthorn due to its rough and hairy leaves. It is also referred to as the Fanleaf Hawthorn or the Parsley-leaved Hawthorn because of its unique foliage.
General Appearance
The Roughleaf Hawthorn can grow up to 9 meters tall, but most plants are usually between 2-6 meters. It has a dense, rounded crown with thorny branches. The leaves are alternate, simple, and deeply lobed with serrated edges. The foliage is dark green and hairy on top and paler and hairy beneath. The plant's flowers bloom in clusters in late spring, and they are usually white or pink and have a distinct odor. The fruit, known as a haw, is small and red, and it ripens in the fall.
Uses
The Roughleaf Hawthorn has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Its leaves, berries, and flowers have been used in traditional Native American medicine to treat digestive problems, heart disease, and high blood pressure. The haws are also a source of food for wildlife, including birds and small animals.
Light Requirements
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. asperifolia (Sarg.) Kruschke grows best in full sunlight. The plant prefers at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. However, it can tolerate partial shade but might not produce as many flowers or fruits compared to those grown in full sun. In areas with hot summers, the plant might benefit from partial shade during the hottest part of the day to avoid heat stress.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. asperifolia (Sarg.) Kruschke is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand freezing temperatures of up to -30°C during the winter season. The optimal temperature range for growth and development is between 20°C to 25°C. The plant can survive hot summers of up to 40°C, but it might require extra watering to avoid heat stress.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types from sandy to loamy soils. However, the plant might struggle in heavy clay soils with poor drainage. Adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure can improve soil fertility and drainage for better growth. It is worth noting that the plant can tolerate drought conditions but thrives well with regular watering during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. asperifolia (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as Roughleaf Hawthorn, is a small tree species that can be propagated through both seed and cutting. The most successful way to cultivate this plant is from seeds that have been stratified for at least 90 days. To stratify, clean the seeds, place them in a wet paper towel, and store them in the refrigerator for at least three months. After stratification, plant the seeds in well-draining soil in a sunny or partially shaded area. The young plant should be protected from strong winds and frost during the first winter.Watering Needs
Roughleaf Hawthorn prefers moderate to moist soils, and it is essential to keep the soil damp during the growing season. However, the plant does not tolerate waterlogging and requires well-draining soil. In cases of drought, apply enough water to keep the plant hydrated, but be careful not to overwater. Overwatering may result in root rot, and it may cause the plant to die.Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. asperifolia (Sarg.) Kruschke, as the plant prefers nutrient-poor soils. However, a light application of organic or slow-release fertilizer in the early spring can help to promote growth and improve the soil quality. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as it may result in excessive growth and make it more susceptible to insects and diseases.Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and health of Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. asperifolia (Sarg.) Kruschke. The best time to prune the plant is during late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and cut back any crossing branches or branches that grow toward the center of the tree. Thin out the canopy to allow more sunlight and air circulation. Be careful not to remove more than one-third of the plant's total growth during pruning, as this may stress the plant.Propagation of Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. asperifolia (Sarg.) Kruschke
The plant Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. asperifolia (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the Roughleaf Hawthorn, can be propagated through various methods. Let's discuss some of the common ways:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common way of propagating Crataegus scabrida. Once the hawthorn fruits turn from green to red, they are ready to be harvested. The seeds must be separated from the fruit pulp and dried before they can be stored or used for propagation. Sowing the seeds in a moist stratification medium at a temperature of 4-5°C for 120-150 days can break the seed dormancy. The stratified seeds can be sown in the spring in a prepared bed or container filled with well-draining soil. Seed propagation is advantageous as it can produce plants that are true to their parent characteristics.
Cuttings Propagation
Softwood cuttings and hardwood cuttings are the two options for propagating Crataegus scabrida. Softwood cuttings, taken in the spring when the plant is undergoing active growth, have a higher success rate than hardwood cuttings. However, hardwood cuttings taken in late autumn have shown to yield root initiation, although it will take longer for them to start growing roots. The cuttings must be taken with a clean, sharp cut and dipped in rooting hormone before placing them in a propagation bed filled with a well-draining rooting medium. Adequate moisture and humidity must be maintained for successful root development.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another method of propagating Crataegus scabrida. Most commonly used is the T-bud and whip and tongue grafting methods. Rootstock and scion must be selected carefully for successful grafting, preferably from plants that are healthy and have good resistance to diseases. Grafting should be done in early spring where growth is active and ambient temperatures are cool, promoting rapid healing of the graft union. Grafted plants are more reliable for establishing plant characteristics as compared to seedling propagated plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus Scabrida Sarg. Var. Asperifolia (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. asperifolia (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as roughleaf hawthorn, is a small tree or shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can negatively affect its growth and overall health. Therefore, it is crucial to implement proper disease and pest management strategies to ensure optimum growth and productivity of the plant.
Common Diseases
One common disease that can affect the roughleaf hawthorn is fire blight, a bacterial disease that causes wilting of the leaves and stems and blackening of the affected areas. To manage fire blight, it is advisable to prune and remove all the infected parts of the plant. Another disease is leaf spot, which causes tiny purple spots on the leaves of the plant. It is essential to remove and destroy all the infected leaves to prevent further spread of the disease.
Another disease that affects the plant is powdery mildew, which causes white powdery spots on the leaves. The disease can be managed by applying fungicides regularly and ensuring the plant has adequate airflow and sunlight. Additionally, crown rot is a fungal disease that causes the plant's roots to rot, leading to stunted growth and wilting. To manage crown rot, it is advisable to remove and destroy the infected plants and avoid planting in poorly drained soils.
Common Pests
Roughleaf hawthorn is also susceptible to pest infestations, such as aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves, leading to distorted growth and wilting. To manage aphids, it is advisable to apply insecticidal soap or neem oil regularly. Spider mites are common pests that thrive in hot and dry conditions. They cause yellowing of the leaves and discoloration of the plant. Spraying the plant with water or insecticidal soap can help manage spider mites.
Scale insects are also common pests that can cause damage to the roughleaf hawthorn. They are small, flat, and oval-shaped insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage scale insects, it is advisable to prune and destroy all the affected parts of the plant and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the roughleaf hawthorn is a beautiful and valuable plant that requires proper disease and pest management to ensure optimum growth and productivity. Proper monitoring and identification of pests and diseases are crucial in managing them effectively. Furthermore, planting the plant in well-drained soils and providing adequate sunlight and airflow can help prevent the plant from getting infected by pests and diseases.
