Overview of Crataegus Silvestris Sarg.
Crataegus silvestris Sarg., commonly known as wood hawthorn, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This plant is native to the eastern United States and can be found growing in various locations such as woodlands, fence rows, and roadsides.Appearance of Crataegus Silvestris Sarg.
The wood hawthorn plant is a small deciduous tree or shrub that grows up to 15 feet tall. It has a broad, rounded crown and rough, gray-brown bark with small thorns. The leaves are simple, lobed, and toothed, ranging in size from 2 to 4 inches long. In spring, Crataegus silvestris Sarg. produces clusters of white or pinkish flowers that are highly fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees.Uses of Crataegus Silvestris Sarg.
Crataegus silvestris Sarg. has various uses in traditional medicine. The plant's flowers, leaves, and fruits are used to prepare different herbal remedies that have been known to have a positive impact on human health. For instance, the fruits are used to make jams, jellies, and teas. The plant is also used as an ornamental tree due to its attractive flowers and foliage. It is a good choice for landscaping and can be used as a hedge or border plant. In conclusion, Crataegus silvestris Sarg. is a versatile plant that has both medicinal and ornamental uses. Its attractive appearance and fragrant flowers make it a popular choice for landscaping, while its medicinal properties have made it a valuable plant in traditional medicine.Light Requirements
The Crataegus silvestris Sarg, commonly known as the wild hawthorn, requires plenty of sunlight to grow properly. It's a plant that thrives in full sun, exposing it to at least six hours a day of direct sunlight is necessary for optimum growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in a cool climate. The Crataegus silvestris Sarg grows well in temperatures ranging between 10? to 22 ?. Once the plant is established, it can survive frozen winters and hot summers.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus silvestris Sarg prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. The plant will thrive in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The wild hawthorn does not tolerate waterlogged soil, and it might lead to root rot. It's crucial to ensure that the soil is fertile and rich in organic matter.
Cultivation
Crataegus silvestris Sarg., commonly known as wild hawthorn, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It thrives in well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. Before planting, it is advisable to prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. These plants can be grown from seed, cuttings, or by layering.
Watering
Wild hawthorn requires moderate watering, especially during its early stages of growth. Once established, it can tolerate drought. Watering should be done slowly and deeply to ensure that the water reaches the roots. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize water loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization
While wild hawthorn is not a heavy feeder, it can benefit from yearly fertilization. Fertilizer should be applied in the early spring before new growth. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive vegetative growth, making the plant more susceptible to diseases and pests.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of wild hawthorn, improve air circulation, and remove dead or diseased branches. Pruning should be done during the plant's dormant season, either in late winter or early spring. It is advisable to use sharp, clean tools to prevent the spread of diseases. Pruning can be done in three ways: selective pruning, renewal pruning, and formative pruning. Selective pruning involves removing specific branches to improve the plant's shape, renewal pruning involves removing the oldest branches to encourage new growth, and formative pruning is done on young plants to train them to grow in a particular shape or form.
Propagation Methods of Crataegus silvestris Sarg.
Crataegus silvestris Sarg. or the wild hawthorn is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to North America. It is widely planted as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens. Propagation of the plant can be done using several methods:
Seed Propagation
The easiest method of propagation is from seeds. Collect the hawthorn fruit after it ripens, typically in the fall, and use it within 90 days. Soak the seeds for ten days in water at room temperature, changing the water twice per day to keep it fresh. Remove the seeds from the water and plant them immediately in a mixture of peat and sand or potting soil. Keep the soil moist and transplant the seedlings to their permanent location within one year.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagation is from cuttings. Take softwood cuttings, or semi-hardwood cuttings, 3-6 inches in length from a healthy hawthorn plant. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, dip the cut end into rooting hormone, and plant it in moist potting soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to keep the soil moist and place it in indirect sunlight. In six to eight weeks, the cuttings will have roots and can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Grafting Propagation
Lastly, propagation can also be done through grafting. Take scions from a healthy hawthorn plant and graft them onto a hawthorn rootstock. Winter grafting, which means grafting while the trees are dormant, is the best time to do this. After the graft has taken, remove the plastic or wax that was used to wrap it and cut off any growth that may develop below the graft. Transplant the new plant to its permanent location when it is big enough to survive.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus silvestris Sarg.
Crataegus silvestris Sarg., commonly known as wild hawthorn, is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the family Rosaceae. This plant is prone to several diseases and pests that can cause serious damage if left unmanaged.
Common Diseases
Cedar-Hawthorn Rust: This disease is caused by the fungus Gymnosporangium globosum. It can cause yellow spots on the leaves, which later turn brown and fall off. The disease also produces orange, gelatinous spore horns on the undersides of the leaves. The cedar-hawthorn rust can be managed by removing infected branches and leaves as soon as they are observed. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease produces a powder-like substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can cause stunted growth and premature leaf fall. Regularly pruning the hawthorn plant can help increase air circulation and reduce humidity, which can minimize the possibility of powdery mildew. Fungicides can also be used to manage powdery mildew.
Common Pests
Hawthorn Spider Mite: The hawthorn spider mite can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall from the plant. These pests are tiny and difficult to spot with the naked eye. Insecticidal soaps or oils can be used to manage hawthorn spider mites. Ladybugs and other natural predators can also be introduced to reduce their populations.
Hawthorn Lace Bug: The hawthorn lace bug is a small, winged insect that can cause yellow and brown spots on the leaves. It can also cause premature leaf fall. Insecticidal soaps and oils can be used to manage hawthorn lace bugs. Natural predators such as ladybugs can also be introduced to reduce their populations.
Hawthorn Leaf Beetle: The hawthorn leaf beetle can cause severe defoliation of the plant. These beetles are typically active from May to August. Insecticides can be used to control hawthorn leaf beetles. However, it is important to ensure that these insecticides are safe to use on hawthorn plants.
Regularly monitoring the Crataegus silvestris Sarg. plant for any signs of disease or pest infestation is key in managing them. Implementing good cultural practices such as regularly pruning the plant and maintaining proper plant nutrition and soil moisture can also reduce the risk of disease and pest infestation.
