Origin
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. improvisa (Sarg.) Phipps is a species of flowering plant from the Rosaceae family. This plant is native to the eastern United States, including the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Common names
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. improvisa (Sarg.) Phipps is commonly known as the hairy hawthorn or mountain hawthorn.
Uses
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. improvisa (Sarg.) Phipps has been used for medicinal purposes as it is believed to contain compounds that can lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, its berries are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked and have been known to make jams and jellies.
General Appearance
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. improvisa (Sarg.) Phipps is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach up to 10 feet in height. It has a dense, spreading habit and produces thorny branches. The leaves are oval-shaped, with a glossy, dark green surface and hairy undersides. The flowers are white and appear in clusters in the spring, followed by red berries in the fall that persist through winter. The bark is brown-gray and smooth when young, gradually becoming rough and scaly with age.
Light Requirements
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. improvisa (Sarg.) Phipps prefers to grow in areas with moderate to full sun exposure. It can grow well in partial shade, but long periods of low light can reduce its overall growth and flowering capacity.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is naturally found in regions with a mild to temperate maritime climate. It can tolerate cold winters with temperatures dipping to -15° C and can grow well in summer temperatures ranging from 20° C to 30° C. Ideally, the plant requires a minimum of 1000-1200 hours of winter chilling to initiate flowering in the spring season.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It can adapt to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and heavy clay soils. However, the soil must be enriched with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, and must have good moisture retention capacity to sustain growth during periods of drought.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. improvisa (Sarg.) Phipps is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America. It is a hardy plant and can thrive in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. When planting, ensure that the shrub is situated in an area that receives full sunlight. The optimal time to plant this shrub is during the early spring, before the start of the growing season.
When digging the hole for the plant, it should be twice the size of the shrub's root system. Ensure that the hole is deep enough to accommodate the roots, and that the shrub is planted at the same depth as it was in its original container. After planting, the shrub should be watered thoroughly to help it establish roots.
Watering Needs
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. improvisa (Sarg.) Phipps requires consistent moisture but is also fairly drought-tolerant. It is essential to water the plant frequently during the first growing season to help it establish its root system. After the first year, the plant should be watered deeply once a week during periods of drought or high heat. Water the plant slowly and directly at the base of the shrub to allow the water to penetrate the soil.
Fertilization
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. improvisa (Sarg.) Phipps requires minimal fertilization. In most cases, the shrub will receive enough nutrients from the surrounding soil. If the plant is growing slowly or appears to be struggling, a light application of slow-release fertilizer in early spring may be beneficial. It is essential to avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as excessive nutrients can lead to weak stems and foliage.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of caring for Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. improvisa (Sarg.) Phipps. The ideal time to prune the shrub is during the dormant season, either in late winter or early spring. During this time, the shrub is not actively growing, and pruning will not harm the plant.
When pruning the plant, it is important to remove any dead or diseased branches, as these can impact the health of the plant. It is also essential to thin out the branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. Pruning also helps to shape the plant and encourage healthy growth.
Propagation of Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. improvisa (Sarg.) Phipps
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. improvisa (Sarg.) Phipps, commonly known as rough hawthorn, can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, cutting propagation, and grafting propagation.
Seed propagation:
Seeds of Crataegus scabrida can be collected from the ripe fruits of the plant, washed to remove any fruit pulp, and then sown in a well-draining propagating mix. The seeds need to be lightly covered with propagating mix and kept moist for germination. Germination can take up to four months, and after that, the seedlings can be potted in individual containers.
Cutting propagation:
Cutting propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Crataegus scabrida. Hardwood cuttings can be collected during the dormant season and should be around 15 cms long. These cuttings should be taken from healthy and pest-free parent plants. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone, inserted in a well-draining propagating mix, and kept moist for rooting. Rooting can take up to three months, and after that, the cuttings can be potted in individual containers.
Grafting propagation:
Grafting propagation is a more advanced method that requires rootstock and scion wood. Desired scion wood is collected from healthy and pest-free parent plants and grafted onto selected rootstock. The graft union should be wrapped with grafting tape to hold the scion wood in place and to prevent moisture loss. The grafted plants should be kept in humid conditions until they begin to grow.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. improvisa (Sarg.) Phipps
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. improvisa (Sarg.) Phipps, commonly known as the rough hawthorn, is a small shrub that is naturally resistant to diseases and pests. However, some common diseases and pests can affect the plant, and it is essential to recognize the symptoms and take necessary measures to protect the plant's health.
Common Diseases
Sometimes, rough hawthorn can develop fungal diseases like rust, leaf spot, and fire blight. Rust appears as orange or brown spots on leaves, while leaf spot is a dark spot that can develop on leaves and stems. Fire blight causes blackened, wilted shoots on the plant. Powdery mildew can also occur, which is seen as white powdery patches on leaves.
To manage these diseases, prune any affected parts of the plant and dispose of them. Spray the plant with a fungicide that is effective against the specific disease. Maintain good airflow around the plant, and avoid overhead watering to prevent the growth of fungal spores. Keep the area around the plant clean and free from debris that can harbor fungal spores.
Common Pests
The rough hawthorn is susceptible to insect pests such as aphids, scales, and spider mites. Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from leaves and stems, causing stunted growth and deformities. They secrete a sticky substance that attracts other insects and can lead to the growth of sooty mold. Scales are small, immobile insects that stick to leaves and stems, feeding on sap and weakening the plant. Spider mites are small, red, or yellow pests that spin webs on leaves and suck sap from the plant.
To manage these pests, use a strong blast of water to wash off the insects. Prune heavily infested parts of the plant and dispose of them. Apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant to control and prevent further infestation. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings that feed on these pests.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can help maintain the health of your rough hawthorn plant and ensure it thrives in its natural habitat.
