Introduction
Crataegus submollis is a species of hawthorn that belongs to the family Rosaceae. This plant is native to eastern and central North America, specifically the United States of America. With its interesting appearance and valuable medicinal uses, Crataegus submollis has become a popular plant in both traditional and contemporary herbal medicine practices.Common Names
Crataegus submollis goes by several common names, including the downy hawthorn, red haw, and woollyfruit hawthorn.Appearance
The Crataegus submollis is a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 5 meters in height. Its leaves are broad and lobed, and they have a dark green color on top and a lighter shade of green underneath. The flowers of this plant are white to pink, and they bloom in clusters from late spring to early summer. In late summer to early fall, the plant produces its fruit, which is a bright red color and measures 8-10 mm in diameter. The fruit has a woolly texture, which is why the plant gained one of its common names - woollyfruit hawthorn.Uses
Crataegus submollis has been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices, and it remains a popular plant for herbal preparations today. The plant's leaves, flowers, and fruit have all been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including heart problems, high blood pressure, digestive issues, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Today, the plant is still used for similar purposes in modern herbal medicine, and it is available in various forms, including tinctures, teas, and capsules. The plant is also a popular ornamental, and it is grown in gardens for its attractive flowers and bright red fruit.Growth Conditions of Crataegus Submollis
Crataegus submollis, also known as the downy hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree or shrub which is native to North America. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9, and it grows in a variety of environments.
Light Requirements
Crataegus submollis grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not flower as abundantly as it would in full sun. In areas with hot summers, it benefits from some afternoon shade.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus submollis is adapted to a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers cool to warm temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -28 degrees Celsius in winter, and up to 38 degrees Celsius in summer. In areas with hot summers, it benefits from some afternoon shade to protect it from intense heat.
Soil Requirements
The downy hawthorn will grow in a range of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. It can tolerate poor soil conditions, but it will grow better in fertile soils. If you are planting in heavy clay soil, amend with compost or sand to improve drainage.
The soil should be moist but never waterlogged. It can tolerate drought conditions once established, but it will grow better with regular watering during dry periods. Overwatering can cause root rot.
In summary, Crataegus submollis is an adaptable plant that grows in a variety of conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade, cool to warm temperatures, and well-draining soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. It can tolerate poor soil conditions, but it will grow better in fertile soils.
Cultivation methods
The plant Crataegus submollis is generally easy to grow and maintain. It is best to plant it in well-draining soils that are slightly acidic and fertile. The plant prefers a full sun exposure to partial shade exposure. It is important to choose a site that will allow sufficient growth and spread of the plant canopy. Transplanting should be done in the spring before the first buds appear.
Watering needs
Crataegus submollis should receive regular watering sessions during the early stages of growth. Once established, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant and can be watered only in case of prolonged drought. The plant should be watered at the base to prevent moisture accumulation on the foliage or flowers, which can cause diseases.
Fertilization
In most cases, Crataegus submollis requires little to no fertilization. However, if you want to promote vigorous growth or if you notice weak and yellow foliage, you can apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer in the early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the plant's shape and promote optimal growth. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. You should remove all dead, damaged, or diseased branches and thin out crossed or crowded branches. If you want to control the plant's height or spread, you can cut back the branches by ? to ½ of their length. Do not prune during the summer as this can lead to reduced flowering.
Propagation of Crataegus submollis
Crataegus submollis, also known as the fleshy hawthorn, can be propagated via several methods.
Seed Propagation
The simplest method of propagation is through seed. The best time to collect ripe seeds is in the fall when the fruit is fully mature. After collecting, the fruit should be cleaned, and seeds should be dried and stored in a cool, dry place until the spring. Before planting, the seeds should be stratified for three months to break their dormancy. After stratification, the seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch and watered frequently. The seeds will germinate in about 30 to 90 days.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method is through cuttings. Hardwood cuttings should be collected in late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant. After collecting the cuttings, they should be trimmed to a length of 6 to 8 inches with a sharp, clean tool. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. The cuttings will be rooted in about six to eight weeks and should be transplanted in the spring.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another propagation method, and it is preferred for the horticultural production of Crataegus submollis. The rootstock used for grafting must be compatible with the scion. The scion should be collected from a healthy plant of the desired variety, and the rootstock should be prepared in the spring. The scion should be grafted onto the rootstock with special care to ensure that the cambium layers of the scion and the rootstock are aligned correctly. After grafting, the plant should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. After a few weeks, the bag can be removed, and the plant should be kept in a cool, shady location until it is established.
Propagation of Crataegus submollis through these methods can result in healthy offspring that exhibit the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus submollis Plant
Crataegus submollis, commonly known as the 'Dwarf Hawthorn,' is a small deciduous tree that is native to the southeastern part of the United States. This plant is generally free from significant pest and disease problems. However, certain environmental factors and pests can cause problems that require management methods. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Leaf spot disease is a common problem in the Crataegus submollis plant. The disease is caused by a fungal infection and appears as small, circular brown spots on the leaves. The spots can merge to form larger areas and may eventually cause leaf drop. To manage this disease, remove any infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be applied during the growing season to prevent the disease from spreading.
Fire blight is another disease that can affect the plant. It is caused by a bacterium that attacks the stems and leaves, causing them to wilt and turn black. The disease is highly contagious and spreads quickly. To manage this disease, remove any infected plant parts and destroy them immediately. Do not compost them. Prune the plant during the dormant season, making sure to sterilize all tools between cuts. Copper fungicides can also be applied as a preventative measure during the growing season.
Common Pests
Spider mites are a common pest that can affect the Crataegus submollis plant. These tiny pests cause the leaves to turn yellow and become stippled. They also produce fine webbing on the undersides of leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant thoroughly with water to remove the webbing and mites. Apply an insecticidal soap or oil spray to the plant to control the pest.
Scale insects are another common pest that can affect the plant. These pests attach themselves to the stems and leaves, sucking the sap from the plant and causing it to weaken. They also excrete a sticky substance that can attract other pests and make the plant susceptible to fungal diseases. To manage scale, remove and destroy any heavily infested plant parts. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove the scales from the plant. Insecticidal soap or oil spray can also be used to control the pest.
In conclusion, proper management of pest and disease problems is critical to ensuring the health and growth of the Crataegus submollis plant. Always monitor the plant for any signs of illness or infestation and take appropriate action promptly.
