Overview:
Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg. is a deciduous shrub belonging to the family Rosaceae. It is native to China and can be found in various regions of the country.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as the Chinese hawthorn or Shan Zha in Mandarin. It is also referred to as the red globular hawthorn due to its bright red fruits.
Appearance:
The plant grows up to a height of 7 meters and has a rounded crown. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown in color. The leaves are simple, lobed, and alternate on the branches. They are dark green on the upper surface and lighter green beneath. The plant produces fragrant white flowers in clusters during late spring and early summer, which are followed by bright red fruits.
Uses:
The Chinese hawthorn is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for its various health benefits. It is believed to aid digestion, reduce blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels. The fruit is commonly used to make tea, jams, and jellies. It is also used as a food ingredient in many Chinese dishes.
Light Requirements
Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg. requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. It is important to note that the plant's growth rate and overall health is affected by the amount of light it receives. In areas with hot summers, it is best to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent the plant from wilting.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to subtropical areas and is well adapted to a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers a cooler climate with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Temperatures exceeding 35°C can cause stress to the plant, while exposure to frost can damage the leaves and flowers.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg. prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soil. However, it does not thrive in poorly drained or waterlogged soil as it may cause root rot. It is also important to ensure that the soil is rich in nutrients and organic matter.
Cultivation Methods for Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg.
The first step to consider when cultivating Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg. is choosing the right planting location. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and grows well in moist soil with good drainage. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5.
It is best to plant the Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg. in the fall, in areas with moderate to cold weather, to allow the roots to establish themselves before the foliage begins to grow. Spacing should be around 12 to 15 feet apart since the plant can grow up to 25 feet tall.
Water Needs for Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg.
Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg. prefers to be planted in moist soil. Therefore, it's necessary to water regularly and ensure that the soil doesn’t dry out. However, over-watering should be avoided as it can cause root rot. Generally, the plant may need water once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
Fertilization for Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg.
A balanced slow-release fertilizer applied every spring is the best option for Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg. The best mix should contain equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for optimal growth. Organic fertilizers such as compost and aged manure can also be used to enrich the soil. However, over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth.
Pruning Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg.
Pruning the tree can be done in late winter or early spring while the plant is still dormant. The general rule is to remove no more than one-third of the tree's canopy in a single pruning season. The goal is to shape the plant by removing excess branches and those that rub against each other. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed immediately. Regular pruning encourages healthy growth and contributes to the tree's overall health.
Propagation of Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg.
Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg. or the Japanese hawthorn is a deciduous shrub that can be propagated through several methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg. is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits in the fall and sown immediately or stored in a cool and moist place until spring. The seeds can be stratified for two to three months to improve germination. They should be sown in a well-draining soil mix in a container deep enough to accommodate the long taproot. The container should be placed in a sunny location and kept moist until the seedlings emerge.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg. is through hardwood cuttings. The cuttings should be collected from mature wood in the late fall or early winter. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and taken from the previous year's growth. The leaves should be removed from the lower one-third of the cutting, and the base should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix in a container and placed in a bright location but protected from direct sunlight. The container should be kept moist and covered with plastic to maintain humidity until roots form.
Layers Propagation
Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg. can also be propagated through layering. The process involves bending a low-growing branch to the ground and wounding the bark where it touches the soil. The wounded area should be covered with soil, and the branch should be kept in place with a stake or a rock. The branch should be watered regularly, and after a year, it will have formed roots at the wounded area. The new plant can then be separated from the parent and transplanted to a permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg.
Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg., commonly known as the Korean hawthorn, is a deciduous plant that can be affected by a number of diseases and pests. It is important to properly identify and manage these issues to ensure the health and productivity of the plant.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg. is fire blight, which is caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora. Symptoms include blackened, wilted leaves and shoots, and cankers on infected branches. To manage fire blight, pruning infected branches, removing diseased debris, and avoiding overhead irrigation can help reduce the spread of the disease.
Cedar apple rust is another common disease affecting the plant, caused by the fungus Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae. Symptoms include yellow spots on leaves, swelling on branches and twigs, and red spores on the undersides of leaves. Managing this disease requires practicing good sanitation in the garden, avoiding planting junipers near the plant, and applying fungicides when necessary.
Common Pests
Codling moth is a common pest that can affect the fruit of Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg. The larvae of this moth can burrow into the fruit, leaving it vulnerable to disease and rot. To manage this pest, applying pheromone traps, practicing good sanitation in the garden, and using insecticides as a last resort can help prevent infestation.
Scale insects are another common pest that can affect the plant, and they can appear as bumps on leaves, stems, and fruit. These pests can secrete a sticky substance that can attract mold and further damage the plant. To manage scale infestations on Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg., using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, pruning infested branches, and introducing natural predators can help prevent their spread.
Overall, proper identification and management of diseases and pests can help keep Crataegus tanuphylla Sarg. healthy and productive. Regular monitoring, good sanitation practices, and using pesticides as a last resort can help manage these issues effectively.
