Overview of Crataegus submollis Sarg.
Crataegus submollis Sarg. is a species of hawthorn that belongs to the family Rosaceae. The plant is commonly known as the "dwarf hawthorn" because of its small stature and the size of its leaves and fruits. The plant is native to North America and is found in various parts of the United States, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri.
General Appearance of Crataegus submollis Sarg.
The plant is a small, deciduous tree that typically grows to be 10-20 feet tall. Its leaves are small, oval-shaped, and serrated along the edges, measuring about 1-2 inches in length. The leaves are bright green in color and turn reddish-brown in the fall. The flowers of Crataegus submollis Sarg. are white and grow in clusters, with each flower measuring about 0.5 inches in diameter. The fruit of the plant is a small, red or yellow berry, about the size of a pea.
Uses of Crataegus submollis Sarg.
The bark, leaves, and fruits of Crataegus submollis Sarg. are often used for medicinal purposes. The plant has been used to treat a variety of health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and anxiety. The plant's fruit is also edible and is commonly used to make jams, jellies, and syrups. Additionally, Crataegus submollis Sarg. is often used as an ornamental plant, thanks to its beautiful flowers and attractive fruits.
Overall, Crataegus submollis Sarg. is a fascinating and versatile plant that has many uses and benefits. Whether you are looking to use the plant for medicinal purposes or simply want to enjoy its beauty in your garden, there is no denying the many attributes and unique characteristics of this wonderful hawthorn species.
Light Requirements
Crataegus submollis Sarg. thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It is essential to provide at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure optimal growth and flowering. Short days and long nights trigger the blooming activity in these plants, making them suitable for temperate regions with distinct seasons.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus submollis Sarg. grows best in temperate climates with a winter dormancy period. These plants are highly adaptable and can tolerate extreme heat or cold. Ideal daytime temperatures range between 65-80°F (18-27°C), with nighttime temperatures dropping about ten degrees. A cold and dry winter dormancy period is vital to trigger healthy spring growth.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus submollis Sarg. prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. The soil should be deep and fertile, with good water retention capacity. These plants are also considered tolerant to clay and sandy soils with adequate organic matter content. Soil moisture is crucial for Crataegus submollis Sarg. growth. Therefore, it is essential to provide regular irrigation during dry periods.
Cultivation of Crataegus submollis Sarg.
Crataegus submollis Sarg., also known as the downy hawthorn, is an easy-to-grow plant that is ideal for temperate climates. It grows best in well-drained soil and should be planted in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
When planting Crataegus submollis Sarg., it's essential to dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant's root ball. After placing the plant in the hole, gently fill the area with soil. Water the plant generously to help it settle in the soil.
Watering
Crataegus submollis Sarg. requires regular watering during its first year of growth to establish a strong root system. Once established, the plant requires less water and can tolerate periods of drought. However, it's essential to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
The best way to water Crataegus submollis Sarg. is to give it a deep watering once a week. This deep watering allows the water to reach the plant's roots, encouraging them to grow deeper into the soil.
Fertilization
Crataegus submollis Sarg. requires minimal fertilizer. Fertilizing the plant once a year at the beginning of spring is sufficient. Use a slow-releasing, balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer around the outer edge of the plant's root zone and water it well.
Pruning
Crataegus submollis Sarg. requires minimal pruning. Pruning should be done during the plant's dormancy period when it's not actively growing. Prune any dead or damaged branches and any branches that rub against each other. You can also prune the plant to maintain its shape and size. Always use sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant, and make clean cuts to avoid leaving any jagged edges.
During the first few years of growth, it's essential to prune Crataegus submollis Sarg. to develop a strong, well-branched structure. Prune back any weak or crossing branches to promote strong structural growth.
Propagation of Crataegus submollis Sarg.
Crataegus submollis Sarg., also known as the "Fuzzy hawthorn", is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to the United States and can be found in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Propagation of Crataegus submollis Sarg. is straightforward and can be done through several methods:
Seed propagation
Propagation through seeds is an easy and inexpensive method. The seed must be stratified for 30-90 days in cold and moist conditions to break the dormancy. Once the stratification period is over, the seeds can be sown in the ground or in a container filled with fertile soil. It is advised to sow the seeds in the fall to mimic the natural conditions and to ensure the plant has the best chance of establishing itself. After planting, the soil must be kept moist, and the temperature should be maintained around 21-24°C (70-75°F). The seeds generally germinate within two to three weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation through cuttings is another popular method that yields faster results than seed propagation. Cuttings must be taken in late summer or early fall, when the wood is semi-hardened. The cutting should be around 6-8 inches long, and all the leaves should be removed except for the uppermost ones. The cutting must then be inserted into a container filled with moist, fertile soil, and kept in a shaded area with high humidity. The soil must be kept damp and misted regularly to prevent the cutting from drying out. In about four to eight weeks, the cuttings will develop roots and can be transplanted to their final location.
Grafting propagation
Grafting can also be used to propagate Crataegus submollis Sarg. and is commonly used in commercial nurseries to create improved cultivars. The grafting method involves taking a scion (a small twig with buds) from the desired plant and grafting it onto a rootstock of another related plant. This method allows for the plant to retain its unique characteristics while benefiting from the rootstock's disease resistance and vigor. Grafting is mostly done in late winter or early fall when the plant is dormant.
It is important to note that with any propagation method, the plant may take a few years to establish itself fully and start flowering and producing fruit. Therefore, patience is essential when propagating Crataegus submollis Sarg.
Disease Management
Crataegus submollis Sarg. is generally a healthy plant, but it is susceptible to some diseases that can reduce its vigor and mar its appearance. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Cedar-apple rust: a fungal infection that causes yellow spots on the upper surface of leaves of the plant, and rust-colored spots on the underside of the leaves. Control measures include removing infected leaves, planting resistant varieties, and avoiding planting the plant near cedar trees.
- Fire blight: a bacterial infection that causes darkened or blackened leaves, twigs, and flowers. Control measures include applying copper sprays during dormancy and pruning infected branches 12 inches below any sign of infection.
- Leaf spot: a fungal infection that causes circular, tan or grey spots on the leaves of the plant. Control measures include providing good air circulation around the plant, avoiding overhead irrigation, and removing infected leaves.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Crataegus submollis Sarg. is vulnerable to attacks from insects and other pests. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant:
- Scale insects: small, round or oval insects that stick to the bark of the plant and suck the sap from it. Control measures include spraying the plant with horticultural oil during winter dormancy.
- Borers: beetle larvae that tunnel under the bark of the plant and disrupt the flow of sap. Control measures include covering tree wounds and applying insecticides to the base of the tree.
- Caterpillars: moth larvae that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing defoliation. Control measures include handpicking the caterpillars, installing bird feeders nearby to encourage natural predators, and applying insecticides.
Regular and vigilant monitoring of the plant for signs of disease and pest infestations is highly recommended. Early detection and action can help to prevent the spread of any damage and protect the health of the plant.
