Overview
Crataegus stolonifera Sarg. is a small deciduous tree or shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. This plant is native to parts of North America, including Canada and the United States, and is commonly known by several names such as the scarlet hawthorn, red haw, stolon-bearing hawthorn, and running serviceberry.
Appearance
The scarlet hawthorn tree or shrub typically grows up to heights of 5-9 feet and spreads equally as wide. The branch structures are vertical and slender, and the plant has dark green leaves with toothed margins. The leaves are generally ovate in shape and have a simple, netted-vein pattern. In spring and early summer, Crataegus stolonifera Sarg. produces small white flowers that grow in clusters, which later give way to bright red fruits called haws, an integral component of the plant's medicinal properties.
Uses
Native Americans used the scarlet hawthorn berries as a food source and medicinally to relieve diarrhea, skin infections, and aid digestion. Today, Crataegus stolonifera Sarg. is widely harvested for its medicinal properties, which research has demonstrated useful for treating heart conditions, such as blood vessel diseases, low blood pressure, and heart failure. It is also used to improve digestion and liver function.
Light Requirements
Crataegus stolonifera Sarg., commonly known as the creeping or running hawthorn, requires moderate to full sunlight to grow properly. It can tolerate partial shade but too much shade can hinder its growth and reduce the number of flowers it produces.
Temperature Requirements
The running hawthorn is a hardy plant that can survive extreme temperatures. It can withstand winter temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) and summer temperatures as high as 90°F (32°C).
Soil Requirements
The soil for Crataegus stolonifera Sarg. should be well-draining but should also retain some moisture. It can grow in a wide range of soils from sand to clay, but prefers loamy soil. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0).
Furthermore, running hawthorn requires a soil that is rich in organic matter. You can amend the soil with compost, aged manure, or leaf mold to provide the necessary nutrients.
Cultivation Methods for Crataegus stolonifera Sarg.
Crataegus stolonifera Sarg., commonly known as the Scarlet Hawthorn, can be grown in a wide range of soils, including poorly drained soils. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. Scarlet Hawthorn is a hardy shrub that can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°F.
The plant should be placed in an area with full to partial sunlight, such as a backyard or a garden. The plant can be propagated either by seeds or by vegetative propagation. Sow the seeds in the spring, and cover them with ¼ inch of soil. Ensure that the soil is kept moist until the germination process commences, which can take up to 90 days.
Watering Needs for Crataegus stolonifera Sarg.
Scarlet Hawthorn prefers slightly moist but well-drained soils. It is important to avoid overwatering the plant to prevent damage to the roots. Water the plant deeply once a week or as required, depending on the moisture content of the soil. During dry periods, make sure to water the plant sufficiently to prevent drought stress.
Fertilization for Crataegus stolonifera Sarg.
Scarlet Hawthorn does not require regular fertilization for healthy growth. However, it is advisable to apply a slow-release fertilizer, like a layer of compost or manure around the plant base during the spring season. This helps to improve soil fertility and supports healthy plant growth.
Pruning for Crataegus stolonifera Sarg.
Pruning can be done during the early spring or late fall. Dead or diseased branches can be removed at any time of the year. It is also important to remove basal suckers from the plant to promote healthy growth. Do not prune more than one-third of the plant at once.
Regular pruning helps to promote vigorous growth of the plant, increases the production of flowers, and removes damaged parts. Use sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts, and ensure that the cuts are just above the bud or the branch collar.
Propagation methods for Crataegus stolonifera Sarg.
There are several methods of propagating Crataegus stolonifera Sarg. including:
Seed propagation
Seeds are the most popular way to propagate Crataegus stolonifera Sarg. They should be collected in the fall, when they are mature but have not yet fallen from the tree. After collecting, they should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until spring. In the spring, they can be sown directly into the ground or into a tray of potting mix. When they have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into their final location.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation via cuttings is another method of propagating Crataegus stolonifera Sarg. Hardwood cuttings taken in the winter from mature trees can be used to create new plants. Simply use a sharp, clean pair of secateurs to cut a healthy-looking branch from the parent tree. The cutting should be around 12 inches long and should be stripped of its lower leaves. The cutting should then be planted in potting mix, watered, and placed in a sunny location until it begins to grow new shoots.
Division propagation
Crataegus stolonifera Sarg. can also be propagated through division. This method is best employed when a mature plant has become too large and needs to be divided to maintain its health. To propagate via division, the plant should be lifted from the ground and separated into smaller plants using a sharp, clean knife. Each smaller plant should be planted in its own pot or directly in the ground and watered until it begins to grow vigorously.
Disease Management
Crataegus stolonifera Sarg. is vulnerable to several diseases that can affect its overall health and productivity. The most common diseases that affect this plant include powdery mildew, leaf spot, fire blight, and cedar-hawthorn rust.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes the leaves to develop a white, powdery coating. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove and destroy all infected leaves. Applying a fungicide designed to control powdery mildew can also be helpful.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves. These spots may be yellow, brown, or black, depending on the severity of the infection. To manage leaf spot, it is necessary to remove and destroy all infected leaves and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Fire Blight: Fire blight is a bacterial disease that causes the leaves and branches to wilt and turn black. To manage fire blight, it is essential to prune and dispose of all infected parts of the plant. Applying a copper-based fungicide can also be helpful in controlling the spread of fire blight.
Cedar-Hawthorn Rust: Cedar-hawthorn rust is a fungal disease that causes yellow-orange spots on the leaves, which later turn black. To manage cedar-hawthorn rust, it is recommended to remove all the infected leaves and apply a fungicide that controls rust diseases.
Pest Management
Crataegus stolonifera Sarg. is also vulnerable to several pests, including aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant if not managed promptly.
Aphids: These pests suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to yellow and curl. To manage aphids, it is necessary to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or a neem oil solution.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the leaves, causing them to develop a yellowish color. To manage spider mites, it is necessary to spray the plant with a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the leaves, sucking the sap from the plant. To manage scale insects, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected leaves and branches. Applying a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can also be helpful in controlling the spread of scale insects.
Overall, proper sanitation and regular monitoring of the plant can help prevent disease and pest problems. It is also recommended to select disease-resistant cultivars when planting Crataegus stolonifera Sarg. to reduce the risk of disease and pest infestations.
