Origin
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis (Ashe) Palmer, commonly known as the Neuse River hawthorn, is a flowering plant that is native to the United States, specifically in the states of North Carolina and South Carolina.
Common Names
Neuse River hawthorn is one of the common names of Crataegus succulenta. Other common names for this plant include Ashe's hawthorn, New Bern hawthorn, and succulent hawthorn.
Uses
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis (Ashe) Palmer is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful, bright white flowers that bloom in the summer months. The plant also produces small fruits, which are edible but not commonly consumed due to their small size.
In traditional medicine, the leaves and berries of the hawthorn plant have been used to treat various ailments such as heart problems, digestive issues, and anxiety. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of this plant.
General Appearance
The Neuse River hawthorn is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 4 meters tall. It has a dense, rounded crown and produces glossy dark green leaves that turn red in the fall.
The plant produces clusters of bright white flowers that have a strong, sweet fragrance. The flowers are followed by small red fruits that ripen in the fall and persist until winter.
Overall, Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis (Ashe) Palmer is a beautiful and useful plant that is valued for its ornamental and medicinal properties.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis (Ashe) Palmer
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis (Ashe) Palmer, commonly known as the Neuse River hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to the southeastern United States. It can grow up to 6 meters in height and has a spread of up to 5 meters. The plant prefers to grow in well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil conditions. However, for optimal growth, specific growth conditions must be met.
Light Requirements
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis (Ashe) Palmer thrives in full sun to partial shade. Full sun exposure is ideal for flowering and fruiting, but partial shade is highly recommended for areas with hot summers or scorching temperatures. The plant can still do well with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, although this varies depending on the geographic location.
Temperature Requirements
The best temperature range for the hawthorn is between 18 and 27°C. Although it can still grow in colder and warmer temperatures, the plant becomes less productive and more prone to pest infestations and diseases. Additionally, frost and extreme temperatures can result in permanent damage. Therefore, it's essential to grow in a location with a suitable climate type.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis (Ashe) Palmer prefers well-drained soil and moderate water availability. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, including loam, clay loam, sandy loam, and silt loam. However, it does better in slightly acidic soils with a pH value of 6.0-7.0. The soil should also be rich in organic matter with proper aeration and drainage. Moreover, the shrub is salt intolerant, so it's crucial to avoid growing it in areas with saline soils or salty water irrigation.
Cultivation Methods for Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis requires full to partial sunlight to grow properly. Therefore, it is recommended to plant them in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant can tolerate a variety of soil types, but well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter is ideal. It is recommended to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches before planting.
Watering Needs of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis
While Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis prefers well-draining soil, it requires relatively moist soil to flourish. During the growing season, the soil must be kept slightly moist. However, overwatering should be avoided as it may lead to root rot and other issues. It is best to allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Fertilization for Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis does not require excess fertilization. Applying a slow-release, balanced fertilizer during the growing season should suffice. It is best to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-fertilizing, as it may lead to growth problems.
Pruning of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis
Pruning Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis is necessary to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. The plant should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Dead or diseased branches should be removed, and any crossing or rubbing branches should also be pruned. It is recommended to use clean pruning shears to avoid transmitting diseases to the plant.
Propagation of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis (Ashe) Palmer
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis (Ashe) Palmer, also known as the fleshy hawthorn, can be propagated through several methods which include seed propagation, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating the fleshy hawthorn is through seed propagation. Seeds can be collected from ripe fruits in the fall and sown in a moistened mix of sand, peat moss, and perlite. The mix should be placed in a well-lit area and kept moist until germination occurs. This method can take up to 18 months for the seed to fully germinate, and after which it may take up to 3-5 years for the plant to reach maturity.
Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings can be done in the summer by taking semi-hardwood cuttings from new growth. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and can be taken from the tip of a branch. Once the cuttings are taken, they should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a shaded area until roots develop. It takes about 2-3 years for the plant to reach maturity using this method.
Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method that can be used for the fleshy hawthorn. To graft, select a rootstock that has a similar size as the scion. The rootstock should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and the scion should be taken from a mature plant. The selected scion should be healthy and disease-free. After cutting the scion, make a cleft in the rootstock and insert the scion in the cleft. Secure the scion in place with grafting tape and keep the plant in a shaded area until it is established.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis (Ashe) Palmer
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis (Ashe) Palmer, commonly known as the river hawthorn, is a tough and hardy plant that can survive in a variety of soil and weather conditions. However, it can still be affected by a number of diseases and pests that can inhibit its growth and vitality.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect the river hawthorn is fire blight, which is caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora. Symptoms of fire blight include wilting and dieback of leaves, twigs, and branches, as well as a burnt appearance of affected plant parts. To manage fire blight, affected areas need to be pruned and removed, and diseased plant material should be destroyed. Also, avoid overhead watering and apply a copper-based fungicide during the growing season.
Cedar apple rust is another common disease that can affect the river hawthorn. It is caused by the fungus Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae and can cause yellow-orange spots on the leaves and fruit of the plant. To manage cedar apple rust, remove juniper trees from the vicinity, which are an alternative host of the fungus. Additionally, apply a fungicide containing myclobutanil or copper hydroxide during the growing season.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect the river hawthorn is spider mites. These tiny insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing the leaves to turn yellow or brown and eventually drop. To manage spider mites, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant. Also, make sure the plant is well irrigated, as dry conditions can attract spider mites.
Another common pest that can affect the river hawthorn is the hawthorn lace bug. These insects feed on the undersides of leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown and drop prematurely. To manage hawthorn lace bugs, apply a neonicotinoid-based insecticide during the growing season.
Overall, it's important to monitor your plants regularly and take action as soon as you notice any signs of disease or pest infestation. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. neofluvialis (Ashe) Palmer plant remains healthy and vibrant.
