Overview
Crataegus schuettei Ashe var. gigantea Kruschke, also known as giant hawthorn, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is native to the southeastern region of the United States and grows best under full sun exposure, in well-drained soil with ample moisture.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several common names such as giant thorn apple, moss hawthorn, and bigberry hawthorn.
Uses
Crataegus schuettei Ashe var. gigantea Kruschke has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for various purposes. Its edible berries are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and have been used in the preparation of jams, jellies, and wine. Hawthorn extracts are widely used as a natural remedy for heart diseases and other cardiovascular disorders. The tree's dense foliage and thorny branches also make it an excellent choice for creating natural hedges and barriers.
Appearance
Crataegus schuettei Ashe var. gigantea Kruschke typically grows up to 30 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide, with a rounded to oval-shaped crown. The trunk and branches are covered with brown bark that possesses numerous long thorns. The plant produces small, white, or pink flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer, followed by large, red berries that ripen in late summer. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and have a lobed, rounded or oval shape with serrated edges.
Growth Conditions of Crataegus schuettei Ashe var. gigantea Kruschke
Crataegus schuettei Ashe var. gigantea Kruschke, commonly known as giant hawthorn, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This plant species is native to North America, specifically found in the eastern regions of the United States.
Light Requirements
Giant hawthorn requires full sun to grow and thrive. It can tolerate partial shade, but the plant may not produce as many flowers or fruits. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the giant hawthorn in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil Requirements
The giant hawthorn is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions. It can grow in a variety of soil textures, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, the plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It is important to avoid waterlogged soil, as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Temperature Requirements
The giant hawthorn can withstand a broad range of temperatures but prefers a moderate climate. It can survive in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit). The ideal temperature range for the giant hawthorn is between 10 to 27 degrees Celsius (50 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit).
Water Requirements
Young giant hawthorn plants require regular watering until they establish a healthy root system. Once the plant is established, it becomes more drought tolerant and requires less watering. The plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought.
In summary, the giant hawthorn requires full sun exposure, well-drained soil, and moderate temperatures to grow and thrive. With proper care and maintenance, this plant species can be an excellent addition to any landscape or garden.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus schuettei Ashe var. gigantea Kruschke, also known as giant hawthorn or Schuette's hawthorn, is a flowering plant that can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. It is best grown in well-draining soils with full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Plant the hawthorn in the fall or early winter to allow the roots to establish before the growing season begins in the spring.
Watering Needs
Crataegus schuettei Ashe var. gigantea Kruschke requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during periods of drought. Water the plant deeply, saturating the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. The plant needs less frequent watering during the dormant season and should be watered only when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
Fertilization
The giant hawthorn tree does not require extensive fertilization if grown in a fertile soil. Apply a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring to encourage healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause excessive vegetative growth and make the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Prune Crataegus schuettei Ashe var. gigantea Kruschke in the late winter or early spring to maintain a desirable shape and encourage flower production. Remove any damaged, diseased, or dead branches, making clean cuts just outside the branch collar. Remove crossing and rubbing branches, as well as suckers arising from the base of the tree. Thin out any crowded or weak branches to improve the tree's overall structure and prevent breakage due to heavy snow or wind.
Propagation of Crataegus schuettei Ashe var. gigantea Kruschke
There are different methods to propagate Crataegus schuettei Ashe var. gigantea Kruschke. They include:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a common method for reproducing Crataegus schuettei Ashe var. gigantea Kruschke. The seeds can be collected from the fruits when they are ripe. The seeds should be cleaned and stratified to break their dormancy. Stratification involves exposing the seeds to cold temperatures for several weeks, usually around 4°C to 5°C. After this period, the seeds can be sown in containers or directly in the ground. Germination usually occurs within a few weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings are another method to propagate Crataegus schuettei Ashe var. gigantea Kruschke. Hardwood cuttings are taken from the parent plant during the dormant season, usually in late autumn or winter. The cuttings should be around 30 cm long and 1 cm in diameter. The lower end should be treated with rooting hormone and then inserted into a container filled with soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the container should be covered to maintain high humidity. After a few weeks, roots should start to develop, and the new plant can be transplanted to a larger container or directly in the ground.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a more advanced method to propagate Crataegus schuettei Ashe var. gigantea Kruschke. It involves joining a scion (a stem of the desired cultivar) to a rootstock (a stem of a different Crataegus species or a related genus). The grafting technique should be performed in late winter or early spring when the plants are still dormant. The scion should be cut at a slant and inserted into a slit on the rootstock. The graft should be secured with grafting tape or another binding material. The grafted plant should be kept in a warm and humid environment until the graft union is successful. After that, the plant can be gradually acclimated to normal conditions. Grafting can be used to propagate cultivars that cannot be easily propagated by other methods, and it allows for the production of plants with desirable characteristics.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus schuettei Ashe var. gigantea Kruschke
Crataegus schuettei Ashe var. gigantea Kruschke, commonly known as giant hawthorn, is a beautiful and ornamental plant that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. As a gardener, you need to be aware of these potential hazards and take measures to prevent or manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Crataegus schuettei Ashe var. gigantea Kruschke is fire blight. This bacterial disease causes blackened leaves and stems, which results in the eventual death of the plant. Leaf spot is another disease that affects this plant. It is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves, causing them to turn brown and fall off.
To prevent the spread of fire blight, pruning is essential. Remove any diseased wood and burn it. Avoid overhead irrigation, and ensure that the plant has adequate air circulation. For leaf spot, avoid overwatering and improve the drainage around the plant. Fungicides may be necessary to control severe cases.
Common Pests
The giant hawthorn plant is also vulnerable to pests such as aphids, mites, and scale insects. These pests feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing stunted growth and leaf drop. Spider mites are particularly problematic, as they spin webs on the underside of leaves, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
To manage these pests, regular monitoring is necessary. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control aphids and mites. For scale insects, use a horticultural oil spray, and for spider mites, use a miticide. Ensure that the plant is adequately fertilized to help it recover from any damage caused by pests.
Overall, with proper care and attention, Crataegus schuettei Ashe var. gigantea Kruschke can thrive in your garden. Remember to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of disease or pests and take appropriate measures to prevent or manage them.
