Overview of Crataegus sylvestris Sarg.
Crataegus sylvestris Sarg., commonly known as the Wild Hawthorn or Hedgehog Berry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the family Rosaceae. This plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It is widely cultivated for its ornamental value and medicinal properties.
General Appearance
The Wild Hawthorn grows up to a height of 5-10 meters. It has a dense and thorny crown with a height of up to 10 meters. The branches are covered with sharp thorns and dark green leaves that are deeply lobed. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer, and the flowers are white or pink. The fruit is a red to dark purple pome that ripens in early autumn.
Common Names of Crataegus sylvestris Sarg.
Crataegus sylvestris Sarg. is commonly known as the Wild Hawthorn or Hedgehog Berry.
Uses of Crataegus sylvestris Sarg.
The Wild Hawthorn has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. It has been shown to be effective in treating heart conditions like high blood pressure, angina, and congestive heart failure. It also has sedative properties, making it useful in treating anxiety and insomnia. The leaves, flowers, and fruits are all used in traditional medicine, and they are typically consumed in the form of tea or tinctures.
The Wild Hawthorn is also used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and fruits. It is commonly grown in gardens, parks, and urban landscapes. The thorny crown of the plant makes it useful for hedgerows and as a barrier plant.
In addition to its medicinal and ornamental uses, the Wild Hawthorn is also used in the food and beverage industry. The fruits are commonly used to make jellies, jams, and wine.
Overall, Crataegus sylvestris Sarg. is a versatile plant with a wide range of uses, making it an important plant in horticulture, traditional medicine, and the food and beverage industry.Light Requirements
The Crataegus sylvestris Sarg. plant prefers full sunlight exposure to thrive well. It can also tolerate partial shade exposure, but it may result in lesser yield.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in cool temperatures ranging from 15°C to 21°C (59°F to 70°F) during the growth period. It can also endure mild frost, but prolonged exposure to very low temperatures can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus sylvestris Sarg. plant thrives in well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Ideally, the pH level of the soil should range between 6.0 to 7.0. Additionally, the plant can grow in different soil types, but it favors loamy soils with moderate moisture retention capacity.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus sylvestris Sarg., commonly referred to as the Woodland Hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub that is highly adaptable to different growing conditions. This plant grows well in full sun or partially shaded areas. The soil type should be well-draining and fertile. Before planting, ensure the soil is well dug over and add organic matter if necessary.
The Hawthorn plant prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The ideal time to plant the Woodland Hawthorn is during the dormant season, between late fall and early winter. This timing helps the plant establish roots better.
Watering Needs
The Crataegus sylvestris Sarg. shrub requires regular watering during the growing season. Newly planted Hawthorn plants should receive enough water to keep the soil consistently moist until roots establish well. Once established, watering should be reduced; the plant can tolerate short drought periods, but may not do well during prolonged droughts.
In general, the Woodland Hawthorn plant will require about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental irrigation, throughout the growing season.
Fertilization
The Crataegus sylvestris Sarg. plant will grow well with minimal fertilizer requirements, and may not require any fertilizer if planted in well-fertilized soil. If the plant appears yellowish or weak, a balanced slow-release fertilizer can be applied sparingly during the growing season, ideally in the spring.
It is important not to over-fertilize as this may encourage rapid growth, which may weaken the shrub or make it more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. It is important to prune the Woodland Hawthorn to maintain its shape and control its size. Prune the oldest and largest branches to promote new growth.
Avoid pruning more than a third of the plant as this could weaken the plant and reduce flowering. Regular pruning is important when the shrub is young to encourage a good shape and it also helps to open up the center of the plant to enhance air flow.
Propagation of Crataegus sylvestris Sarg.
There are several methods of propagating Crataegus sylvestris Sarg. including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected in the fall and sown immediately or stratified in the fridge until the spring. The seeds should be kept moist until germination occurs, which can take up to a year. Seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots and grown for one year before being planted into their final position.
Cuttings Propagation
Hardwood cuttings can be taken in the late fall and winter. The cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and should be approximately 30 cm long with a diameter of 1 cm. Cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining propagation mix. They should be kept moist and covered with a plastic bag or in a propagation chamber until they have rooted. Rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots and grown for one year before being planted into their final position.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a common propagation method for Crataegus sylvestris Sarg. The scion should be a healthy and disease-free stem from a desirable variety and grafted onto the rootstock of a related hawthorn species. Grafting is usually done in the spring, just before bud break.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus sylvestris Sarg.
Crataegus sylvestris Sarg., commonly known as the woodland hawthorn, is a plant species that is vulnerable to several diseases and pests. It is essential to identify these diseases and pests and employ appropriate management measures to prevent significant damage to the plants. Below are some common diseases and pests that affect woodland hawthorns and their management measures:
Diseases
Cedar-Apple Rust
Cedar-apple rust is a fungal disease that affects Juniperus spp. plants and Crataegus spp. plants. The disease manifests as yellowish-brown spots on the upper side of the leaves in early spring. Later, the spots may develop into circular, rust-colored spots with yellow edges. Cedar-apple rust can be controlled by removing all nearby juniper plants, which act as the overwintering host for the fungus. Additionally, apply a fungicide to the hawthorn plant in the early spring before the infected juniper plants produce spores.
Fire Blight
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that affects hawthorn plants during the flowering season. The disease causes the flowers to turn brown and wilt, and the twigs develop a shepherd's crook-like appearance. Fire blight can be controlled by pruning and burning all infected plant parts. Also, avoid overhead watering during the flowering season and apply a copper fungicide in early spring to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pests
Hawthorn Lace Bug
The hawthorn lace bug is a sap-sucking insect that feeds on the undersides of the leaves. The pest causes the leaves' upper surfaces to turn yellow and develop black excrement spots beneath them. Infested leaves may fall off, leading to a stunted and weak plant. The pest can be controlled by removing all affected plant parts and applying neem oil or an insecticidal soap to the plant's surfaces.
Hawthorn Leaf Blight
Hawthorn leaf blight is a fungal disease that causes black or brown spots to develop on the leaves. The spotting later spreads to cover the entire leaf surface, and the leaves may fall off, leading to a weakened plant. To control the pest, remove all affected leaves and destroy them. Maintain proper plant spacing and improve air circulation around the plants.
In conclusion, identifying and managing diseases and pests that affect Crataegus sylvestris Sarg. is vital to maintain healthy plants. The above management measures can help mitigate the adverse effects of these threats, ensuring healthy and robust plants.
