Overview
Crataegus versuta Beadle, also known as the cockspur thorn, is a small deciduous tree in the Rosaceae family. It is native to Eastern Asia, specifically Japan, Korea, and China. It is cultivated as an ornamental tree in other parts of the world because of its beautiful flowers.
Appearance
The cockspur thorn tree grows up to 10 meters tall and has a round to oval-shaped crown. The tree has sharp thorns up to 15 cm long on its branches that resemble a rooster's spur, hence the common name. The leaves are lobed, glossy, and ovate in shape, with serrated edges. The flowers bloom in clusters, with five white petals and a yellow center. The fruit is a red pome that remains on the tree throughout the winter.
Uses
The cockspur thorn tree is primarily grown as an ornamental tree in gardens, parks, and other public spaces because of its attractive flowers and dense foliage. The small size of the tree also makes it ideal for use in smaller landscapes. Some people also use its fruit to make jams and jellies, and the tree's bark and leaves have been used in traditional medicine to treat various health conditions, including cardiovascular issues.
Light Requirements
Crataegus versuta Beadle grows best in full sun, meaning it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but this may result in decreased growth or lower fruit production. In areas with very hot summers, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent heat stress.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus versuta Beadle can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefers a climate with cool to mild summers. It is cold-hardy and can survive winter temperatures as low as -35 degrees Celsius. Average daytime temperatures between 21-27 degrees Celsius are ideal for promoting growth and fruit production. In areas with very hot summers, the plant may require extra watering and protection from heat stress.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus versuta Beadle grows well in a wide variety of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soils that are acidic to slightly alkaline with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant is moderately drought-tolerant but requires regular watering during dry periods, especially during the growing season. Fertilizer can be used to promote growth and fruit production, but care should be taken not to over-fertilize, which can result in excessive vegetative growth and reduced fruit quality.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus versuta Beadle, commonly called the cockspur thorn, can be cultivated by sowing the seeds in the fall. The seeds require a stratification period of about 90 days to ensure good germination rates. The plant prefers a well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels.
Watering Needs
The cockspur thorn requires frequent watering, especially during the first year after planting. During the growing season, the plant requires at least an inch of water per week. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Cockspur thorn requires fertilization during the early spring or late winter before the growing season begins. A slow-release fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio is ideal for this plant. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and poor flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the plant's shape and size. It is recommended to prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Cut off any damaged or diseased branches, and remove any suckers or water sprouts at the base of the plant. Cockspur thorn has sharp thorns on its branches, so it is advisable to wear gloves while pruning.
Propagation of Crataegus versuta Beadle
Crataegus versuta Beadle, commonly known as the Beadle Hawthorn, is an ornamental plant in the Rosaceae family. It is native to North America and is often used in landscape design for its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruit. There are several methods of propagating Crataegus versuta Beadle, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and grafting.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Crataegus versuta Beadle. The seeds are collected when the fruit matures in the fall. The fruit should be left on the tree until it is fully ripened and turns a deep red color. The seeds can then be extracted from the fruit by soaking it in water and rubbing it between your hands. The seeds can be sown directly in the ground or in containers filled with a mixture of sand, peat moss, and perlite. It is important to keep the soil moist and well-drained, and to give the young seedlings plenty of sunlight.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is another popular method of propagating Crataegus versuta Beadle. This method involves taking a cutting from a mature plant and rooting it in soil or water. Hardwood cuttings should be taken in the winter when the plant is dormant, while softwood cuttings should be taken in the spring when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should be dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in the soil or water. It is important to keep the soil or water moist and to give the cuttings plenty of light.
Grafting
Grafting is a more complicated method of propagating Crataegus versuta Beadle, but it is often used to propagate cultivars. Grafting involves taking a cutting from a desirable cultivar and grafting it onto a rootstock. The rootstock should be a compatible species or variety of Crataegus. The cutting and rootstock should be joined together and wrapped with grafting tape or wax to hold them in place. The grafted plant should be kept in a humid environment until it establishes and starts to grow.
Disease Management
Crataegus versuta, also known as the cockspur thorn, is prone to several diseases.
- Cedar-hawthorn rust: This disease may cause leaves to turn yellow and drop. It also leads to small, round, orange spots on the leaves, which eventually turn black.
- Fireblight: This bacterial disease can cause twigs and branches to blacken and die. It also leads to rapid wilting of the leaves and shoots.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause black or brown spots on the leaves, and in severe cases, the leaves may drop.
The most effective methods to manage these diseases include:
- Pruning infected branches, sterilizing pruning tools in between each cut
- Using fungicides or bactericides in severe cases
- Ensuring proper sanitation by collecting and discarding all fallen leaves and other plant debris
- Planting the tree in well-drained soil and providing good air circulation
- Using disease-resistant cultivars of Crataegus
Pest Management
Similarly, Crataegus versuta is also vulnerable to several pests that may threaten its health and survival. Some of them include:
- Hawthorn lace bug: This insect can cause extensive leaf damage, leading to yellow spots on the surface
- Hawthorn spider mite: These mites feed on the leaves, causing a yellow mottling effect on the foliage
- Tent caterpillars: These insects cluster in large numbers, spinning webs and consuming the leaves of Crataegus versuta and other trees
The following techniques can help control these pests:
- Physical removal of the pests by hosing off the infested tree with water
- Natural predators, such as parasitic wasps, birds, or lacewings, can be introduced to reduce the populations of pests
- Applying insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils to kill all the stages of the pests
- Using row covers or planting flowers to establish a barrier between the tree and pests
