Origin and Common Names
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Palmer, commonly known as the Ashe's downy hawthorn, is a small tree species belonging to the Rosaceae family. This species is native to North America and can be found in the eastern part of the United States.Appearance
The Ashe's downy hawthorn is a small tree or shrub that can reach up to 15 feet tall. It has a dense and rounded crown with an irregular shape. The tree's bark is gray-brown and has deep furrows. The leaves are 2 to 2.5 inches long and have seven to nine lobes. They are shiny on the upper surface and have a soft and downy texture on the underside. The tree's flowers are white or pink with a sweet fragrance and are clustered in groups of two to four.Uses
The Ashe's downy hawthorn has several uses. The tree is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its attractive flowers and foliage. The tree's fruits, which are small and red, are edible and are sometimes used to make jams and jellies. The tree has medicinal properties and has been used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure, and digestive problems. The tree's wood is hard and durable, making it suitable for making tool handles, fence posts, and small furniture items. In conclusion, the Ashe's downy hawthorn is a small and hardy tree species native to North America. It has many uses, making it a valuable addition to any landscape.Light Requirements
The Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Palmer grows best in full sunlight. It can withstand partial shade, but it may not flower as much as it would in full sunlight. Therefore, it is best to plant it in an area with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Palmer is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it thrives in moderate temperatures of around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate low temperatures of up to -40 degrees Fahrenheit and higher temperatures of up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Palmer grows best in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam. However, it does not grow well in waterlogged or poorly-drained soil. The plant also benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Palmer, commonly known as the fleshy hawthorn, is a hardy shrub that is easy to cultivate. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, preferring moist, well-draining soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5. The plant is best grown from seedlings or cuttings, placed in prepared soil with adequate spacing for growth. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade, with optimal growth in full sun.
Watering Needs
The fleshy hawthorn requires regular watering, particularly in the first year of growth. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, with watering occurring once a week or when the top inch of soil is dry. During hot, dry spells, the plant may require additional watering to prevent dehydration and stress.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for optimal growth and fruit production. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 10-6-4 should be applied in early spring before new growth appears. An organic fertilizer can also be used, such as compost or well-decomposed animal manure, applied in a thin layer around the base of the plant. It is essential to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to reduced fruit quality and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and growth of the fleshy hawthorn and improve fruit production. It is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. The plant should be pruned to remove damaged or diseased branches, thinning out crowded branches and maintaining an open canopy that allows for adequate sunlight and air circulation. Dead branches and twigs should also be removed throughout the year to prevent disease and insect infestations.
Propagation of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Palmer
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Palmer can be propagated through various methods such as seeds and cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The plant produces seeds in late summer to early fall, which can be collected and sown immediately or stored dry until the next season. The seeds require stratification to break dormancy.
First, the seeds can be soaked overnight in water to soften their outer coats. Then, they should be mixed with moist sand or peat moss and stored in a plastic bag. The bag should be placed in a refrigerator at a temperature between 33 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit for 60 to 120 days.
After stratification, the seeds can be sown in pots with well-draining soil. The pots should be placed in a warm area with indirect sunlight. Once the seedlings are robust enough, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground.
Cutting Propagation
The plant can also be propagated through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the summer or early fall when the plant is actively growing.
The cuttings should be around six to eight inches in length and taken from the current year's growth. The leaves on the lower half of the cuttings should be removed. The cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a pot with well-draining soil. The pot should be placed in a warm, humid area with indirect sunlight.
After several weeks, once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
The Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Palmer, commonly referred to as the Ashe Hawthorn, is a hardy plant resilient to most diseases. However, the following are common diseases that might affect it:
- Fungal diseases: This includes leaf blight, which can cause defoliation, and cedar-hawthorn rust, which results in yellow spots or blackened leaves. To manage these diseases, ensure that the plant is well-drained, avoid overcrowding, and remove any infected leaves or branches.
- Fire blight: This bacterial disease causes withered and blackened leaves and cankers on the branches. To manage this disease, prune the affected parts and avoid flushing the plant with excessive nitrogen fertilizer.
- Leaf spot: This disease is characterized by dark spots on the leaves and can cause defoliation. To manage it, avoid overhead watering and ensure proper plant spacing and ventilation.
Pest Management
There are several pests that might affect the Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Palmer, including:
- Aphids: These small insects can cause leaf curling and stunted growth. To manage them, use insecticidal soap or neem oil as a natural alternative.
- Caterpillars: These pests can cause extensive damage by feeding on the leaves and flowers. To manage them, handpick and remove them or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause leaf bronzing and defoliation. To manage them, frequently water the plant to increase humidity or use predatory mites to eat them.
Overall, proper cultural practices such as regular pruning, avoiding excessive watering, and ensuring good air circulation can help prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests in the Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pertomentosa (Ashe) Palmer plant.
