Overview of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. occidentalis Britt.
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. occidentalis Britt. is a species of the Crataegus genus, commonly known as western dwarf hawthorn or sweet haw.
Origin of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. occidentalis Britt.
The plant is native to western North America, including in the states of California, Oregon, and Washington, as well as in British Columbia, Canada.
Appearance of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. occidentalis Britt.
The western dwarf hawthorn is a small deciduous tree or shrub that can grow up to around 20 feet tall. Its leaves are deeply lobed and serrated, with a glossy green surface and a pale underside. The tree produces small white flowers in the spring, followed by clusters of red or orange berries in late summer or fall.
Uses of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. occidentalis Britt.
The berries of the western dwarf hawthorn are edible and have a sweet flavor that is often used for making jelly or syrup. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, the tree is sometimes used in landscaping as a decorative shrub or small tree.
Overall, Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. occidentalis Britt. is a small but versatile plant with various uses, both practical and aesthetic.Light Requirements
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. occidentalis Britt. prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. When grown in partial shade, the plant may not produce as many flowers or fruit as plants grown in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. occidentalis Britt. is a cold-hardy plant that thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. The plant prefers temperatures between 60 to 75°F during the day and cooler temperatures between 40 to 55°F at night. The plant can tolerate high temperatures up to 90°F, but prolonged exposure to high heat may cause leaf scorching or leaf drop.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils that are moist but not waterlogged. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. The ideal soil pH range is between 6.0 and 7.5. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its structure and fertility, providing the plant with the necessary nutrients for optimal growth. Avoid planting in soggy or poorly drained soils to prevent fungal diseases.
Cultivation
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. occidentalis Britt. is a shrub that is commonly found growing in dry mountainous regions of Western North America. It grows best in well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral and does not tolerate waterlogging conditions.
It is suited for USDA plant hardiness zones 4–9. The ideal climate is moist, cool summers and mild winters, with an annual rainfall of about 18 inches. It prefers full sun exposure but can also tolerate partial shade.
If you are growing it from seed, you need to stratify the seeds by exposing them to cold temperatures (32-40°F) for 2-4 months before planting in the spring. Seedlings can be transplanted to the permanent site after one year, and cuttings can be taken in the late autumn or winter.
Watering
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. occidentalis Britt. requires moderate watering. During the growing phase, it is best to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During periods of drought, make sure to water deeply once or twice per week, depending on the soil type and the humidity levels, to ensure their roots receive enough water to support the plant's foliage.
Fertilization
The Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. occidentalis Britt. shrub does not require excessive fertilization. Fertilize once every two weeks using a balanced fertilizer in the spring and early summer. Once the plant is established, fertilizers with a higher phosphorus concentration will encourage blooming and strong root growth.
Pruning
To keep your Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. occidentalis Britt. shrub healthy and to ensure it looks its best, pruning is essential. Prune in late winter before the start of the growing season. Remove any dead or diseased branches. For shape and size, prune out up to 25% of the oldest stems annually. Afterward, simply remove any crossing or rubbing branches.
Propagating Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. occidentalis Britt.
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. occidentalis Britt., commonly known as Western thorn-apple, is a small, deciduous tree native to North America. It is an ornamental tree with highly valued fruit crops and yields. The plant has several propagation methods that are useful in sustaining and expanding the plant population.
Propagation Methods
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. occidentalis Britt. Collect mature fruit, and extract the seeds. Discard the pulp. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours, then place them in a plastic bag filled with moist potting soil and refrigerate for 12 weeks. Sow the seeds in a container with moist soil and cover them slightly with a layer of soil. The seeds can be started indoors or outdoors in the fall, and the germination rate is about sixty percent.
Cuttings
Cuttings propagation is another method for propagating Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. occidentalis Britt. using softwood cuttings taken from suckers in the spring and early summer. Cuttings should include a few nodes, and leaves should be removed from the lower two-thirds of the cutting. Dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone, and plant it in a container filled with a moist vermiculite mixture. Place the cutting in bright, indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist. The cutting should be rooted within five to eight weeks.
Suckers
Propagation through suckers is an easy and reliable method for Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. occidentalis Britt. Cut down the tree in late winter, and new growth will appear as suckers from the base. These suckers can be topped to promote branching and then transplanted in the early spring to a permanent location in a prepared planting hole. Water the new trees regularly, and mulch to retain moisture in the soil.
Disease Management
Crataegus succulenta var. occidentalis is a tree that is susceptible to a number of fungal and bacterial diseases, such as fire blight, cedar apple rust, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. A good practice to prevent the spread of these diseases is to keep the plant healthy, in well-drained soil, and to prune it regularly to promote good air circulation. Here are some ways to manage common diseases:
- Fire blight: This bacterial disease infects trees during bloom and can cause twig and branch dieback. Infected branches should be pruned 8 inches below the diseased area, and pruners should be sanitized between each cut with a 10% bleach solution or rubbing alcohol.
- Cedar apple rust: This fungal disease can cause stunted growth and yellowed leaves, and it produces bright orange spots on the undersides of leaves. Prune off any infected parts of the tree, and apply fungicides according to the label directions.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. Rake up and dispose of any dropped leaves to prevent the fungus from spreading. Apply fungicides according to the label directions.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on leaves and can cause leaf drop. To prevent powdery mildew, water the plant at the base, and apply fungicides according to the label directions.
Pest Management
Crataegus succulenta var. occidentalis is susceptible to a number of pests, including aphids, scale insects, and tent caterpillars. Here are some ways to manage common pests:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from leaves and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew that can attract other insects. Blast the aphids off the tree with a strong stream of water, or apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil according to the label directions.
- Scale insects: These pests appear as small bumps on the branches and leaves of the tree. Prune off heavily infested branches, and apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap according to the label directions.
- Tent caterpillars: These pests make nests in the branches of the tree and can defoliate it if not controlled. Remove the nests by hand and destroy them, or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) according to the label directions.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for signs of disease or pest problems, and to take prompt action before the problem becomes severe. Following these practices will help keep Crataegus succulenta var. occidentalis healthy and productive.
