Overview:
Crataegus viridis L. var. interior (Beadle) Palmer, commonly known as the green hawthorn, is a species of hawthorn native to North America. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and is popularly used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties.
Appearance:
The green hawthorn is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 15 feet tall. It has a dense and thorny canopy with dark-green glossy leaves that are obovate-shaped and serrated. The plant blooms in mid-spring, producing small white to pinkish flowers with five petals. It bears small pome fruits that ripen to red when fully matured, with a diameter of about 1/2 inch.
Origin:
The green hawthorn is indigenous to North America and is commonly found in the central United States and northeastern Mexico. It is widespread across the Great Plains and the Mississippi valley, where it prefers to grow in open woodlands, fence rows, and prairies. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types and is hardy to USDA Zones 3-8.
Uses:
The green hawthorn is popularly used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. The fruits, leaves, and bark of the plant contain flavonoid compounds, which are known to help improve heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The plant has also been used as a digestive aid and to treat diarrhea, indigestion, and stomach ulcers. The green hawthorn is also commonly used as a hedgerow plant due to its dense canopy and thorny nature, making it an effective livestock barrier.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus viridis L. var. interior (Beadle) Palmer plant requires full sunlight exposure to grow to its full potential. It can survive in partially shaded areas, but it will not thrive and may not produce as many flowers or fruit.
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-drained, loamy soils with moderate fertility. It can also grow in sandy or clay soils, but these must be amended to provide better drainage and nutrients. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, between 6.0 and 7.0.
Temperature Requirements
The Crataegus viridis L. var. interior (Beadle) Palmer plant is adapted to temperate climates, where it can withstand cold winters and hot summers. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, which have average minimum temperatures ranging from -30°F to 20°F (-34°C to -7°C) in winter and average maximum temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C) in summer.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus viridis L. var. interior is hardy to zone 4 and can be cultivated in a variety of soils. It prefers well-drained soils with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5. It is important to choose a suitable site for planting, as it can grow up to 30 feet tall and wide with its spreading habit.
The best time to plant the Crataegus viridis L. var. interior is in the early spring, after the last frost, or in the fall, before the ground freezes. It is advisable to plant multiple trees for cross-pollination and fruit set.
Watering Needs
After planting, give the tree a deep watering to encourage deep root growth. Crataegus viridis L. var. interior tolerates drought well but will benefit from regular watering during prolonged dry periods. Overwatering, however, can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Crataegus viridis L. var. interior is not picky when it comes to fertilization. It benefits from an annual application of balanced fertilizer in the early spring before new growth emerges. Be mindful not to over-fertilize, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced fruiting.
Pruning
Pruning should be done in the dormant season when the tree is not actively growing. The primary goal is to remove any diseased, damaged, or crossing branches. Proper pruning ensures good air circulation and sunlight penetration, leading to a healthy tree and optimal fruit production.
It is also advisable to prune for shape and size control, as the tree tends to have a spreading habit. Aim to remove one-third of the growth in a year and avoid heavy pruning, which can stress the tree.
Propagation of Crataegus viridis L. var. interior (Beadle) Palmer
Crataegus viridis L. var. interior (Beadle) Palmer, commonly known as the green hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to North America and is often used for ornamental and landscaping purposes.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common propagation methods for Crataegus viridis is through seed propagation. The seeds can be collected from mature fruits in the fall and stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring. To improve germination rates, the seeds can be stratified for several weeks before planting. Seedlings can be transplanted once they are large enough to handle, typically after one year.
Cuttings Propagation
Another propagation method for Crataegus viridis is through hardwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings can be taken in the late winter when the plant is dormant. Select healthy, disease-free stems and cut them into 6-12 inch sections. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mixture and keep them moist until they root, which can take several months. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to their final location.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a more advanced propagation method that can be used for Crataegus viridis. The scionwood (shoots or buds) of the desired variety is grafted onto the rootstock of another compatible species of Crataegus. This method is often used to produce large quantities of plants that are true-to-type.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to ensure that the plants are grown in a suitable location with proper care and maintenance to ensure their successful establishment and continued growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus viridis L. var. interior (Beadle) Palmer
Crataegus viridis L. var. interior (Beadle) Palmer, commonly known as the green hawthorn, is a small tree or shrub native to North America. Like any other plant, this species can be affected by diseases and pests, which can damage the plant and reduce its yield. Proper disease and pest management is critical to ensure the plant's health and productivity. In this article, we will look at common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Like many other plants, green hawthorn can be affected by fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. Some common diseases that affect this species are:
- Cedar-hawthorn rust: This fungal disease can cause yellow spots on leaves, leading to defoliation, and can also damage fruit. To manage cedar-hawthorn rust, remove any infected plant parts and apply fungicides.
- Bacterial leaf spot: This disease can cause brown or black spots on leaves, leading to defoliation. It can also damage fruit. To manage bacterial leaf spot, remove infected plant parts and apply copper-based fungicides.
- Fire blight: This bacterial disease can cause the plant's branches to wilt and turn brown. To manage fire blight, remove infected plant parts and apply antibacterial sprays.
Common Pests
Green hawthorn can also be affected by various pests, including insects and mites. Some common pests that affect this species are:
- Aphids: These insects can cause the leaves to curl and distort, leading to reduced photosynthesis. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellow spots on leaves, and in severe infestations, can cause defoliation. To manage mites, use acaricides.
- Borers: These insects can cause damage to the plant's interior by tunneling through the bark and wood. To manage borers, prune and remove infected plant parts, and use insecticidal sprays.
Proper pest and disease management for Crataegus viridis L. var. interior (Beadle) Palmer involves practicing good sanitation, monitoring the plant regularly, and using appropriate control measures when necessary. By doing so, you can ensure the plant's health and productivity and enjoy the benefits of a fruitful and healthy green hawthorn.
