Overview
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. balkwillii (Sarg.) Phipps is a plant species belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is a deciduous shrub that is commonly found in North America and Europe. Like other members of the Crataegus genus, this plant is commonly referred to as hawthorn.
Appearance
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. balkwillii is a small shrub that can grow up to 5 meters in height. Its leaves are simple, lobed, and toothed, with a dark green coloration. The bark of the plant is smooth and brown, while its flowers are white, pink, or red and appear in clusters during the spring and summer seasons.
Location
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. balkwillii is native to North America, specifically the Appalachian region of the United States. It is commonly found in forests and woodlands, as well as along stream banks and rocky slopes.
Uses
Throughout history, hawthorn has been used for its medicinal properties. The leaves and flowers of Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. balkwillii are commonly used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and anxiety. The plant's fruits, also known as haws, are edible and can be used to make jams and jellies.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. balkwillii (Sarg.) Phipps plant requires full sun exposure to grow properly. The plant typically grows in open areas where it can receive direct sunlight for most of the day. Sunlight is essential for the plant to produce blooms and grow healthy foliage.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows best in temperatures that range from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). The temperature should not drop below -10°C (14°F) as it can kill the plant. The plant can tolerate hot weather and dry conditions once established, but it is essential to ensure the soil moisture is maintained during hot and dry weather to sustain plant growth.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. balkwillii (Sarg.) Phipps plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be nutrient-rich and have good water retention capabilities. The plant can adapt to different soil types, including sandy and clay soils, but it requires soils with adequate drainage to prevent root rot. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its nutrient content and water storage capacity.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. balkwillii (Sarg.) Phipps is a hardy and tolerant shrub that can grow in many types of environments. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with good drainage, but it can adapt to different soil types. It is recommended to plant the shrub in an area with full sun exposure as it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight every day to grow properly. The plant needs regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote flowering.
Watering Needs
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. balkwillii (Sarg.) Phipps needs regular watering during the growing season, especially during dry periods. The shrub should be watered deeply once a week to encourage the roots to grow deep into the soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as too much water can lead to root rot. Mulching around the base of the shrub can help keep the soil moist and reduce water loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization
It is recommended to fertilize Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. balkwillii (Sarg.) Phipps once a year in the spring using a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied evenly around the base of the shrub, and it should be worked into the top layer of soil. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering. The plant can also benefit from a layer of organic compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the shrub in the spring to help improve soil quality and moisture retention.
Pruning
Pruning is an important aspect of Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. balkwillii (Sarg.) Phipps cultivation. The shrub should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. For best results, remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches first. Then, remove any crossing or rubbing branches, as they can damage each other and create entry points for pests and diseases. Finally, prune the shrub to maintain its desired shape and size. Regular pruning can help improve flowering, maintain a healthy plant, and promote new growth.
Propagation of Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. balkwillii (Sarg.) Phipps
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. balkwillii (Sarg.) Phipps, commonly known as the Balkwill's Hawthorn, is a small, deciduous tree native to North America.
Propagation by Seeds: The easiest way to propagate Crataegus scabrida var. balkwillii is through seeds. Gather ripe berries from the tree and extract the seeds. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours, then stratify them at 4°C for 90-120 days before sowing them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and warm (20-23°C) until germination occurs in 4-6 weeks. Seed propagation is suitable for large-scale nursery production, but it may result in genetic variability.
Propagation by Cuttings: Softwood cuttings can be taken in early summer from the current year's growth of the Balkwill's Hawthorn. Choose healthy, disease-free branch tips that are 8-15 cm long and have one or two nodes. Dip the basal end of the cutting in rooting hormone, then insert it into a moist potting mix made of peat and perlite or sand. Place the cuttings in a propagation chamber with high humidity (80-90%) and a temperature of 20-25°C. After 10-12 weeks, rooted cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots.
Propagation by Grafting: Since Crataegus scabrida var. balkwillii has high variability and low rooting ability, grafting with a more compatible rootstock could be a better propagation method. Whip grafting and bark grafting are commonly used to propagate hawthorns. The best time to graft is in late winter or early spring. Choose a rootstock of Crataegus spp. that is about the same size as the scion, and make a smooth cut on both the rootstock and scion. Join the two pieces together with tape or twine, then seal the union with grafting wax. The grafted plant can be potted or planted in the field when the graft has healed, which may take several months to a year.
Disease Management
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. balkwillii (Sarg.) Phipps is susceptible to various types of fungal and bacterial diseases. It is important to take note of the symptoms of these diseases in order to effectively manage them.
One common fungal disease that affects this plant is cedar hawthorn rust. This disease appears as yellow-orange spots on the leaves, which eventually turn black and cause the leaves to fall off. To manage this disease, infected leaves should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of spores. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Another fungal disease is powdery mildew, which is characterized by a white powdery substance on the leaves. This disease can be managed by pruning away infected branches and using a fungicide spray that is effective against powdery mildew.
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that can cause wilting and blackening of the leaves and stems. Infected branches should be pruned and removed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Copper sprays can also be used to control the disease.
Pest Management
Several pests can also affect Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. balkwillii (Sarg.) Phipps. These pests include aphids, scale insects, and spider mites.
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing wilting and yellowing of the leaves. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or oils that suffocate the insects.
Scale insects are small insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems, sucking the sap from the plant. They can be managed by pruning away infected branches and using horticultural oil to smother the insects.
Spider mites are tiny insects that also suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to suffocate the insects.
Regular monitoring and inspection of the plant can help prevent the spread of diseases and pests. Proper sanitation practices, such as removing dead and diseased plant material, can also help prevent the spread of diseases. Using disease-resistant plant varieties can also help prevent future disease outbreaks.
