Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pisifera (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pisifera (Sarg.) Kruschke is a species of hawthorn tree native to North America, particularly in the Great Lakes region and northeastern United States. It is a deciduous small tree or shrub that can grow up to 6 meters in height and 4 meters in width. It is commonly known by various names such as Fleshy Hawthorn, Smooth Hawthorn and Horny Hawthorn.
General Appearance
The leaves of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pisifera (Sarg.) Kruschke are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped. The plant produces white, fragrant, five-petaled flowers in the spring, which turn into small red fruits called haws. The bark is gray to dark brown in color, with shallow fissures and ridges. The branches are thorny, with sharp, straight, or slightly curved spines.
Uses
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pisifera (Sarg.) Kruschke has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes by indigenous people and modern herbalists. The plant is rich in flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties and can support heart health. It is used to treat high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and digestive problems. The haws can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and wines. The branches and spines are also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as inflammation, pain, and digestive issues.
In horticulture, Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pisifera (Sarg.) Kruschke is used as a natural hedge, ornamental shrub or small tree in gardens, parks, and landscapes. It is tolerant of most soil types and can grow in full sun to partial shade. Since it is a thorny plant, it can also be used as a natural barrier to prevent trespassing and as a nesting site for birds and other small animals.
Light Requirements
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pisifera (Sarg.) Kruschke requires full sunlight exposure, for at least 6-8 hours a day. It is tolerant of partial shade but grows best in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to regions that experience cold winters and warm summers, indicating that it has a wide range of temperature tolerance. It can survive temperatures as low as -40°C and as high as 40°C. However, it grows best in temperatures between 15°C and 25°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil pH, from acidic to alkaline, but prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils with pH ranging between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should also be moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. It is recommended to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve soil structure and nutrient availability.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pisifera (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as thornless cockspur hawthorn, can be grown in a variety of soil types, but prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soils. It requires full sun exposure for proper growth and should be planted in an open area with good air circulation. The ideal time for planting is in early spring or fall. The plant can be propagated either by seeds or by hardwood cuttings. To propagate using hardwood cuttings, use branches from the previous year's growth, trim to a length of 8-10 inches, removing all leaves except for the topmost ones, and plant in a well-drained soil mixture.
Watering Needs
Thornless cockspur hawthorn requires consistent watering during its growing season, especially during dry spells. Watering should be done deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out in between watering. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can damage the plant. During winter, the plant only requires occasional watering.
Fertilization
The plant is a low feeder and does not require regular fertilization. However, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring to promote healthy growth. The fertilizer should be applied to the soil around the base of the plant, taking care not to allow direct contact with the plant.
Pruning
The thornless cockspur hawthorn requires minimal pruning, which should be done in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth. Pruning should be done to remove any damaged or diseased branches, any crossing branches, and to help maintain the desired shape and size of the plant. The plant can also be lightly pruned during the growing season to promote bushier growth.
Propagation of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pisifera (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pisifera (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the fleshy hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub species that belongs to the family Rosaceae. This plant is native to North America and is widely cultivated for its ornamental value and edible fruits. In this section, we will discuss the different propagation methods for the fleshy hawthorn.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pisifera (Sarg.) Kruschke from seed is a straightforward method. The fruits of the fleshy hawthorn are consumed by birds and other animals, and the seeds are dispersed through their droppings. Therefore, the seeds require stratification, which is the process of exposing them to cold temperatures to stimulate germination.
To propagate the fleshy hawthorn through seed, collect the fruits from mature plants in late fall or early winter. Remove the pulp from the fruits and let the seeds dry for a few days. Then, place the seeds in a plastic bag filled with a moist mixture of sand and peat moss and store them in a refrigerator at 33-41°F for three to four months. After stratification, sow the seeds in a pot or nursery bed filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide the seedlings with partial shade until they are established.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pisifera (Sarg.) Kruschke through cuttings is a more reliable and quicker method than seed propagation. This technique involves taking stem cuttings from mature plants and rooting them in a suitable growing medium.
To propagate the fleshy hawthorn through cuttings, take 6-8 inch long stem cuttings from healthy and disease-free plants in late fall or early winter. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the base in rooting hormone powder. Then, plant the cuttings in a pot or nursery bed filled with a well-draining mixture of sand and peat moss. Keep the medium consistently moist and provide the cuttings with partial shade until they develop roots, which usually takes 3-4 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, transplant them into individual pots or into their permanent location in the garden.
Sucker Propagation
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pisifera (Sarg.) Kruschke can also be propagated through suckers, which are shoots that emerge from the base of the plant. This method is useful for producing clonal replicas of a specific cultivar.
To propagate the fleshy hawthorn through suckers, inspect the base of the mature plant in early spring or late fall and look for emerging shoots. Remove the soil around the base of the plant and use a sharp shovel to sever the connecting root that supports the sucker. Plant the sucker in a pot or nursery bed filled with a well-draining mixture of sand and peat moss and keep it consistently moist. Provide the sucker with partial shade until it establishes roots and begins to show new growth. Transplant the sucker into its permanent location in the garden once it has become established.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pisifera (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pisifera (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the thickleaf hawthorn, is a plant that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Proper management is essential to prevent possible damage and to maintain the plant's health and vigor.
Common Diseases
The thickleaf hawthorn is susceptible to various diseases such as leaf spots, fire blight, and powdery mildew. Leaf spots can be characterized by small to large black or dark brown spots on the leaves. Fire blight causes wilting and blackening of young shoots and twigs, while powdery mildew appears as a powdery white substance on the leaves and stems.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to maintain good sanitation practices, remove infected plant debris, and prune affected branches. Use fungicides as needed, following label instructions and timing. Also, consider using resistant cultivars.
Common Pests
The thickleaf hawthorn is also susceptible to various pests such as aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. Aphids cause curling of leaves and the formation of sticky honeydew, while scale insects cause the yellowing and wilting of leaves. Spider mites, on the other hand, cause webbing and discoloration of leaves.
To manage these pests, you can use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils, which are safer options than chemical insecticides. Also, consider introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Regularly inspect the plants, and if necessary, prune and discard any infested branches. Avoid over-fertilizing or over-watering the plants since these conditions can encourage pest infestations. Also, consider using physical barriers like sticky traps or row covers to prevent pests from reaching the plants.
By taking proactive measures to prevent and manage diseases and pests, you can help ensure the long-term health and vitality of your Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. pisifera (Sarg.) Kruschke plants.
