General Description
Crataegus tenax Ashe, commonly known as the hawthorn or Douglas hawthorn, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The plant grows up to a height of 10-20 feet and has a spread of 8-15 feet.
Origin
The Douglas hawthorn is native to western North America, particularly in regions with moist ecosystems such as streambanks, swamps, and moist woods. The tree can also be found in the Pacific Northwest and in British Columbia, Canada.
Common Names
Besides being called the Douglas hawthorn, Crataegus tenax Ashe has several other common names, including hardy hawthorn, fire hawthorn, and thornapple.
Uses
The Douglas hawthorn has many uses, including ornamental purposes and medicinal uses. The tree's fruit is edible and used to make jams, jellies, and sauces. The tree's bark and leaves are used to make tea, which is believed to help treat heart disease, digestive problems, and high blood pressure. The tree is also used for erosion control, and its wood is used for making handles, furniture, and tools.
Appearance
The Douglas hawthorn has a striking appearance. The tree has a dense, thorny crown with dark green, glossy, and lobed leaves. The leaves turn yellow in the fall. The tree bears white or pink flowers in late spring, and by late summer, it produces clusters of small, red or black, fleshy fruits. The bark is gray-brown and develops deep fissures with age.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus tenax Ashe
Crataegus tenax Ashe, also known as the downy hawthorn, is a deciduous tree species that is commonly found in North America. The tree can grow up to 15 feet tall and has a rounded canopy that spreads up to 10 feet wide. The growth conditions necessary for the tree to thrive include:
Light
The downy hawthorn tree requires full sun to partial shade to grow. It is best planted in open spaces where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. The tree typically grows better in open areas that are relatively free of shade from other trees or buildings.
Temperature
Crataegus tenax Ashe is a hardy tree that can endure cold and frosty conditions. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8, which means the temperature range is between -20°F to 20°F. However, the tree prefers to grow in temperatures ranging between 60°F to 80°F. The tree can survive in harsh winter conditions, but it does not perform well under extreme heat.
Soil
The downy hawthorn thrives in well-drained soils that are deep, moist, and fertile. The tree prefers loamy or clay soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. The tree can tolerate slightly alkaline conditions but does not grow well in soils that are too alkaline. It is essential to avoid soils that are prone to waterlogging or salty soils.
Additionally, the tree is drought-tolerant and can withstand short-term water shortages. However, it performs best when the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Therefore, the tree should be planted in areas with good drainage to avoid root rot or other soil-borne diseases.
Cultivation of Crataegus tenax Ashe
Crataegus tenax Ashe is a small, deciduous tree that grows well in a wide range of climates. It can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9 and prefers full sun to partial shade. The ideal soil for this plant is well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH level.
Watering Needs of Crataegus Tenax Ashe
Crataegus tenax Ashe requires regular watering, especially during the hot and dry summer months. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Crataegus Tenax Ashe
Crataegus tenax Ashe benefits from regular fertilization, especially if it is grown in poor soil. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer should be applied in early spring before new growth appears. This will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and blooming.
Pruning of Crataegus Tenax Ashe
Pruning is essential to keep Crataegus tenax Ashe healthy and looking its best. It should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. The goal is to remove any dead or diseased branches and shape the tree to promote healthy growth and blooming. It may also be necessary to remove any cuts or damage caused by pests or diseases.
Propagation of Crataegus tenax Ashe
Crataegus tenax Ashe, commonly known as the stiff hawthorn, is a deciduous flowering plant that belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). It is native to western North America, particularly in California, where it thrives in hot, dry climates. The plant is commonly propagated through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Crataegus tenax Ashe through seeds is relatively simple. Collect the fresh seeds and remove any fleshy material around them. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften their hard coat. Stratify the seeds in moist sand or vermiculite at a temperature range of 4 to 10°C for around 60 to 120 days, depending on the seed variety. After stratification, sow the seeds in individual pots or seedling trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. Maintain a consistent soil moisture level and place them in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight. Germination occurs in around two to three weeks, depending on the seed quality.
Cutting Propagation
The cutting propagation of Crataegus tenax Ashe generally results in plants that have better growth habit and flowering compared to those propagated from seeds. Collect hardwood cuttings in late autumn or winter when the plant is dormant. The cuttings should be around 15 to 20 cm in length and have a diameter of about 1 cm. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and then place them in a well-draining rooting medium, like peat or sand. Keep the medium consistently moist and warm. After around three to four months, the cuttings should begin to form roots. Transplant them into individual pots or directly into the ground after the last spring frost.
Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method that can be used with Crataegus tenax Ashe. This involves the attachment of the plant tissue (scion) from one plant to the rootstock of another plant. This method is useful for maintaining specific qualities of the plant or creating hybrids. The scion should be collected in late winter or early spring while the plant is still dormant. The rootstock should be collected separately and should have a diameter of 1-2 cm. Cut both the scion and rootstock at a 45-degree angle and make sure that the cambium layers match up. Bind the two pieces together using tape or grafting wax, and then cover it with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Keep the grafted plant in a warm and bright location until new leaves begin to sprout, indicating successful grafting.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus tenax Ashe
Crataegus tenax Ashe, commonly known as the hawthorn tree, is a small tree or large shrub that is native to the western part of North America. While the tree is generally hardy and easy to grow, it is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect the hawthorn tree is fire blight. Fire blight is a bacterial disease that can cause the leaves and branches of the tree to wilt and turn black. To manage this disease, it is important to prune affected branches at least 8-12 inches below where the wilting stops. Make sure you sterilize your pruning tools with alcohol or a bleach solution between each cut.
Cedar hawthorn rust is another common disease that can affect the hawthorn tree. This disease is caused by a fungus that infects both the hawthorn tree and juniper trees. Symptoms include yellow to orange spots on the leaves and the formation of galls on the branches. To manage this disease, it is important to remove the galls before they release spores. Consider planting resistant juniper species.
Common Pests
The hawthorn lace bug is a common pest that can cause damage to the tree. These insects feed on the underside of leaves, leading to distorted and discolored foliage. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soap or spray the tree with a strong stream of water. Regularly cleaning up and disposing of fallen leaves can also help limit populations.
Another common pest that can infest the hawthorn tree is the aphid. Aphids feed on the sap of the tree, causing leaves to become yellowed, curled, and sticky. To manage aphids, you can introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings or wash them off with a strong stream of water. Horticultural oils can also be sprayed over the tree to prevent future infestations.
Overall, it is important to maintain a healthy hawthorn tree by providing proper care and attention. This includes regular pruning, watering, and fertilizing. Monitoring the tree for signs of diseases and pests can also help prevent infestations. When in doubt, consult with a professional arborist for appropriate management strategies.
