Overview: Crataegus sicca Sarg. var. glabrifolia (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus sicca Sarg. var. glabrifolia (Sarg.) Palmer is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is commonly referred to as the shiny-leaf hawthorn and is native to North America.
Appearance
The shiny-leaf hawthorn is a small to medium-sized shrub that can grow up to 6 meters tall. It has a sparse and spiky branching system with thorny twigs. The plant has ovate leaves that are shiny and dark green. The flowers are white, pink, or red and bloom in May. The shiny-leaf hawthorn bears small, red pome fruits that resemble miniature apples, which ripen in late summer.
Uses
The shiny-leaf hawthorn has been utilized in traditional medicine for its numerous health benefits. It is primarily used for its cardio-protective properties, as it can lower blood pressure and improve circulation. The pome fruits are also known for their astringent properties and are commonly used to make jellies, jams, and syrups. The shiny-leaf hawthorn is also used as a hedge plant or ornamental shrub in gardens and parks.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the shiny-leaf hawthorn is a versatile and beneficial plant that has been utilized for centuries. Its beautiful appearance and numerous uses make it a valuable addition to any garden or landscape.
Light Requirements
Crataegus sicca Sarg. var. glabrifolia (Sarg.) Palmer requires full sunlight exposure to thrive. This plant typically grows in areas with high sun exposure, such as open woodlands, hills, and rocky slopes. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for proper growth.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus sicca Sarg. var. glabrifolia (Sarg.) Palmer is well adapted to survive under different temperature conditions. This plant typically grows in temperate zones, and it can tolerate cold winters and hot summers. Ideally, the plant requires temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season, and it can withstand winter conditions as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus sicca Sarg. var. glabrifolia (Sarg.) Palmer prefers well-drained soils with good aeration for proper growth. The soil should have a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Sandy loam and loamy soils are ideal for the plant, with good organic matter content. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid planting in low-lying areas with poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus sicca Sarg. var. glabrifolia (Sarg.) Palmer is a medium-sized deciduous tree that requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives in USDA zones 4 to 7 and prefers well-drained loamy soil. Choose a suitable location with enough space to accommodate the plant's mature size and keep in mind that it may require staking during its initial growth. It is important to plant the tree during the dormant season and to ensure it receives proper care and attention during its establishment period.
Watering Needs
The tree requires regular watering during its initial growth period. Young plants should be watered deep enough for the soil to remain moist. As the plant matures, it will become more drought tolerant and may require less frequent watering. It is essential to monitor soil moisture levels, particularly during periods of extreme heat or drought. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to ensure proper drainage.
Fertilization
Crataegus sicca Sarg. var. glabrifolia (Sarg.) Palmer benefits from a balanced fertilizer application during the early spring months. Fertilize the tree once growth begins, and again in late spring or early summer, using a slow-release granular fertilizer specifically designed for trees. Avoid fertilization during the fall, as it can encourage new growth that may be damaged by frost. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and apply the fertilizer to the soil several inches away from the tree's trunk.
Pruning
Crataegus sicca Sarg. var. glabrifolia (Sarg.) Palmer requires minimal pruning, and it is best to prune during the dormant season when the tree is not actively growing. Prune any dead or diseased branches and remove branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. It is important to maintain the tree's natural shape while pruning, and avoid excessive trimming as this can affect flower and fruit production. Avoid pruning during the spring, as this can cause the tree to bleed sap and weaken it.
Propagation of Crataegus sicca Sarg. var. glabrifolia (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus sicca Sarg. var. glabrifolia (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as the smoothleaf hawthorn, can be propagated by several methods.
Seed propagation
Seeds collected from the plant can be used for propagation. The seeds should be collected in the fall, dried, and stratified for about 90 days in the refrigerator. The stratified seeds can be sown in spring or fall in a mixture of sand and peat moss. Germination typically occurs within 6-8 weeks. The resulting seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location in the following year.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings can be taken from the plant during the growing season for propagation. Softwood cuttings taken in the summer root easily and can be propagated using a hormone rooting powder. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining mixture of sand and peat moss and kept moist until roots form. Hardwood cuttings taken in the fall can also be propagated in a similar manner.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is another propagation method that can be used for the smoothleaf hawthorn. The plant can be grafted onto a rootstock of a related species or onto a seedling of the same species. Grafting is typically done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. The graft union should be wrapped with grafting tape to hold it in place until it has healed.
Propagation of Crataegus sicca Sarg. var. glabrifolia (Sarg.) Palmer can be achieved through different methods, either by seed propagation, cuttings propagation or grafting propagation, depending on the gardener's choice.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that can affect Crataegus sicca Sarg. var. glabrifolia (Sarg.) Palmer is fire blight. This is a bacterial disease that causes the leaves and stems to wilt and turn black. To manage fire blight, infected parts of the plant should be pruned immediately. It's important to disinfect pruning tools after each cut to prevent the spread of the disease. Bordeaux mixture and streptomycin can also be used as preventive measures against fire blight.
Cedar-apple rust is another disease that can impact the plant. Symptoms include yellow spots on the leaves and orange growths on the underside. To manage cedar-apple rust, it's important to remove all infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Fungicides such as mancozeb and copper-based products can help prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management
One of the common pests that can affect Crataegus sicca Sarg. var. glabrifolia (Sarg.) Palmer is the hawthorn lace bug. These small insects feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellow spots and a general decline in the health of the plant. To manage hawthorn lace bugs, it's important to monitor the plant regularly and remove any infested leaves. Neem oil and insecticidal soap can also be used as preventive measures.
The eastern tent caterpillar is another pest that can impact the plant. These caterpillars build nests in the branches of the tree and can defoliate the plant if left unchecked. To manage eastern tent caterpillars, the nests should be removed and destroyed. Insecticidal sprays can also be used as a preventive measure.
