Origin
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke, also known as the Parsley-leaved Hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree or shrub native to North America.
Common Names
Aside from Parsley-leaved Hawthorn, Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke is also commonly known as Savannah Hawthorn, Scrub Hawthorn, and Fanleaf Hawthorn.
Uses
Traditionally, Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke has been used for medicinal purposes. The leaves, flowers, and fruits of the plant have been used to treat various health conditions including heart problems, high blood pressure, and digestive problems.
Aside from its medicinal uses, Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke is also grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage, white or pink flowers and red or orange fruits.
General Appearance
The Parsley-leaved Hawthorn typically grows up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide, with a spread that is often greater than its height. Its branches are thorny and the leaves are deeply cut and resemble parsley, hence the common name. It blooms in late spring or early summer, producing clusters of fragrant white to pink flowers that are typically followed by glossy, round red or orange fruits in the fall. The bark is gray-brown and develops a scaly texture as the tree ages.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus Succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. Laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke
Light: Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke prefers full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to thrive. It can grow in shaded areas, but it may not produce as many flowers or fruits.
Temperature: This plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate cold temperatures as low as -25°C and hot temperatures up to 40°C. However, it grows best in temperatures between 15-25°C.
Soil: Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke grows best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. It can tolerate various types of soil, including loamy, sandy loam, and sandy soil. However, it may not perform well in heavy or poorly drained soil.
Water: This plant prefers moderate soil moisture. It does not tolerate excessive soil moisture, especially during the winter months, as it can lead to root rot. It is essential to water the plant regularly during the first year to establish its root system. After that, it only needs to be watered during dry periods.
Fertilizer: Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke does not require a lot of fertilizer. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied once a year in the spring is enough to promote healthy growth and flower production.
Pruning: Pruning is essential to promote healthy growth and maintain the plant's shape. It is best to prune the plant during the winter dormancy period before new growth appears in the spring. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of diseases.
Cultivation
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke are usually grown from seeds or through vegetative propagation methods such as layering, cuttings, and grafting. The ideal environment for cultivation includes a well-draining soil mix with a neutral to slightly acidic pH level. Ensure the plant receives sufficient sunlight to promote healthy growth.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is crucial to maintain the health of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke. Water the plant deeply and less frequently, rather than shallowly and frequently. The frequency of watering depends on the soil type, weather conditions, and stage of the plant's growth. This plant doesn't prefer wet feet, so ensure proper drainage by using a well-draining soil mix and containers with drainage holes.
Fertilization
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer mix. Once a month, apply a slow-release fertilizer granule, or liquid feed, during the growing season, to provide the necessary nutrients. Follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid overfeeding, which can damage the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is crucial to maintain the shape and promote healthy growth of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke. The best time to prune is in early spring, before the new growth begins. Use a sharp, sterile pair of pruning shears, and cut back any damaged or diseased branches to the healthy wood. Regular pruning encourages the growth of new branches, which will result in a full and bushy plant.
Propagation of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke
Propagation of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke can be done through several methods such as:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke can be collected from ripe fruits. The seeds should be washed and then kept in a germination tray filled with moist soil. The germination tray should be placed in a sunny spot with moderate temperatures. The seedlings can be transplanted to larger pots or into the ground after they have grown enough to handle.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke. The cuttings should be taken from mature plants in the dormant season. The cuttings should be around 6 inches long and should have a few leaves attached to them. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in soil mix that is well-draining. The soil should be moist and the cutting should be kept in shade until roots have formed.
Grafting
Grafting can be done for faster propagation of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke. The rootstock used for grafting should be from a related species that is more tolerant to environmental conditions than Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke. The scion should be taken from a mature plant and should be around 4 inches long. The scion and rootstock should be grafted together carefully, and the graft union should be covered with grafting tape or wax until it has healed.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the fleshy hawthorn, is a plant species that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This small tree is native to North America and is popularly cultivated for its numerous ornamental and medicinal properties. However, this plant is vulnerable to various diseases and pests, which can affect its growth and overall health. Therefore, it is crucial to implement effective disease and pest management strategies to prevent and manage these plant issues.
Common Diseases
Fire Blight: This bacterial disease is a significant threat to Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke. It causes wilting, blackening, and eventual death of stems, twigs, and blossoms. To control fire blight, prune the affected parts of the plant, avoiding contact with other parts to prevent the spread of bacteria. This disease can also be prevented by planting resistant cultivars that are tolerant to fire blight.
Cedar-Apple Rust: This fungal disease is a common disease in the Rosaceae family, including the Crataegus species. It causes small orange spots on the upper leaf surface during wet weather conditions and results in yellowing and premature dropping of leaves. To manage cedar-apple rust, apply fungicides before the appearance of orange spots, maintain good air circulation around the plant, and remove fallen leaves and twigs.
Common Pests
Aphids: These small insects feed on the foliage and stems of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke, causing wilting and stunted growth. To control aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil and prune out heavily infested areas of the plant.
Scales: These tiny insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant and feed on the plant's sap, which can cause yellowing and stunted growth. To manage scales, use horticultural oil sprays, prune out heavily infested areas, and remove fallen leaves and twigs from around the plant.
Overall, by implementing proper disease and pest management strategies, such as using resistant cultivars, applying fungicides and insecticides, pruning out infested areas, and removing fallen leaves and twigs, Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. laxiflora (Sarg.) Kruschke can remain healthy and thrive in gardens and landscapes.
