Origin of Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg.
Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg. is a species of hawthorn tree that is native to North America. It is commonly found in the southern and central regions of the United States, particularly in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
Common Names of Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg.
Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg. is commonly known by a variety of names, including Uvalde hawthorn, Texas hawthorn, and Mexican hawthorn. It is also referred to as the thornless hawthorn because it is less thorny than other hawthorn species.
Uses of Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg.
The fruit of the Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg. tree is edible and has a sweet taste. It has been traditionally used by Native American tribes as a food source and medicine. The fruit is also used to make jams and jellies. Additionally, the tree has ornamental value and is used in landscaping.
Appearance of Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg.
The Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg. tree grows up to 20 feet tall and has a rounded shape. It has dark green, glossy leaves that turn orange-red in the fall. The tree produces small, white flowers in the spring. The fruit is small and red and looks like a miniature apple. The bark of the tree is gray and smooth.
Light Requirements
Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg. grows best in areas with full sun exposure. However, it can also tolerate partial shade but may result in reduced flower and fruit production. Due to its high light requirements, it is essential to plant it in open spaces where there is no shade from tall trees or buildings.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to a wide range of temperature conditions. It can tolerate cold winters and hot summers. The recommended temperature range for its growth is between 50°F to 85°F. However, it can also adapt to lower and higher temperatures than these ranges during its dormant period.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg. is moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It prefers loamy or sandy soil with good organic matter content and good aeration. This plant can also grow in heavy clay soil but may require soil amendments to improve drainage. It does not grow well in waterlogged or alkaline soils.
Cultivation of Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg.
Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg. is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall. This plant thrives in well-draining soils that are acidic to slightly alkaline in nature. The soil should also be enriched with organic matter to increase fertility.
The best time to plant Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg. is in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed. This allows the plant to establish roots and prepare for growth throughout the summer season.
Watering Needs
Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg. requires moderate watering throughout the growing season. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. It is important to water the plant deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the roots.
The plant should be watered more frequently during hot and dry weather conditions. However, one should avoid wetting the foliage to prevent the development of fungal infections.
Fertilization
To encourage growth, Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg. should be fertilized once every spring. A slow-release fertilizer should be used to provide a continuous source of nutrients throughout the season. This plant requires a balanced fertilizer, with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10.
Pruning
Pruning is essential in maintaining the shape and size of Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg. The best time to prune this plant is during late winter or early spring when it is dormant. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed immediately. The plant can also be thinned to allow for better air circulation and sunlight penetration.
One should avoid pruning during the growing season as this can interfere with the plant's growth and produce unwanted results.
Propagation of Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg.
Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg., commonly known as the Uvalde hawthorn, can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg. is through seeds. The seeds can be harvested from mature fruits in the fall and stratified in moist sand for 60-90 days at 33-41°F before sowing in the spring. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix, with the top of the seed just below the soil surface. Germination can take up to two months, and the young seedlings should be grown in a sunny location with regular watering and fertilization.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings involves taking semi-hardwood cuttings from the mother plant in late summer or early fall. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and include a few leaves and a section of woody stem. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept humid and in a shady area until root development, which can take up to a few months.
Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced propagation method that involves joining a Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg. scion with a rootstock from a different hawthorn species. This method is commonly used to maintain desirable characteristics of the mother plant and to improve disease resistance. The best time to perform grafting is in early spring when the bark is slipping. It is recommended to only attempt this method if you have experience or assistance from an experienced grafter.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg.
Crataegus uvaldensis Sarg. is not particularly susceptible to diseases and pests, but it may fall prey to a few common ailments that can reduce its yield, vigor, and aesthetic value. Here are some tips on how to manage the most common diseases and pests of this plant:
Diseases
Leaf spot: The fungi Cercospora and Entomosporium can cause leaf spot, which manifests as brownish-purple spots on the foliage. Prune affected leaves and branches, rake fallen leaves, and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering and keep the soil well-drained. Apply a fungicide containing copper or sulfur, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Fire blight: The bacterium Erwinia amylovora causes fire blight, which affects the blossoms, twigs, and sometimes the entire tree. Symptoms include withered, browned, and curled leaves and branches. Prune affected parts at least 12 inches below the infected area, disinfecting pruning tools between cuts with rubbing alcohol or bleach. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle and avoid pruning during wet weather. Avoid excessive fertilizing and plant in well-drained soil. Apply a copper-based bactericide in early spring and fall, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Pests
Spider mites: These tiny arachnids can cause yellowing, stippling, and webbing on the leaves, reducing their photosynthesis capacity. Spray the foliage with a steady stream of water to dislodge and kill the mites, or apply a miticide containing abamectin or pyrethrin, avoiding products with neonicotinoids that can harm pollinators.
Codling moth: The larvae of this moth can bore into the fruit, causing brown tunnels and premature dropping. Apply insecticidal spray containing spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis during the blossom and fruiting period, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Japanese beetle: The adults of this beetle can skeletonize the leaves and flowers, and can also attract other pests such as birds and rodents. Handpick the beetles, especially in the morning when they are slow-moving, and drop them in a bucket of soapy water. Trap them with pheromone lures but place the traps away from the trees to avoid attracting more beetles than can be handled.
