Description of Crataegus viridis L. var. lutescens Palmer ex Gleason
Crataegus viridis L. var. lutescens Palmer ex Gleason is a variety of the species Crataegus viridis L., which belongs to the family Rosaceae. This plant is commonly known as green hawthorn or greenleaf hawthorn and is native to North America. It is found in the eastern United States, from Maine to Alabama, and west to Oklahoma and Missouri.
General Appearance
Green hawthorn is a small deciduous tree or shrub that can reach a height of 10 to 20 feet. The plant has a dense thicket of branches that form a rounded or irregular crown. The tree has a stout trunk and smooth gray bark, which becomes rough and fissured with age. The leaves are alternately arranged, glossy, and dark green on the upper surface and lighter on the lower surface. The flowers are white, small, and fragrant, and form in clusters in the spring. The fruit is a red or orange berry that is 1/4 inch in diameter.
Uses
Green hawthorn has several uses. The leaves and flowers are used to make tea, which is believed to have calming properties. The fruit is edible and is used to make jams, jellies, and pies. The plant also has medicinal value and has been used to treat heart-related ailments, diarrhea, and sore throats. Additionally, green hawthorn is commonly used in landscaping as a small ornamental tree or hedge.
In summary, Crataegus viridis L. var. lutescens Palmer ex Gleason is a small deciduous tree or shrub commonly known as green hawthorn or greenleaf hawthorn. It is native to North America and is found in the eastern United States. The plant has a dense thicket of branches with glossy dark green leaves, white fragrant flowers, and red or orange berries. It is used for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes.Light requirements
Crataegus viridis L. var. lutescens Palmer ex Gleason typically grows best in full sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but this may result in reduced flowering and fruiting.
Temperature requirements
Crataegus viridis L. var. lutescens Palmer ex Gleason is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) and as high as 100°F (38°C). However, it grows best in moderate temperatures, ranging from 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C).
Soil requirements
Crataegus viridis L. var. lutescens Palmer ex Gleason prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and have a slightly acidic pH. The ideal soil pH range for this plant is between 5.5 and 7.0. It can tolerate some drought but does not grow well in waterlogged soils.
Cultivation
Crataegus viridis L. var. lutescens Palmer ex Gleason, commonly known as green hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America. It is typically grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive and bright foliage. This plant is hardy and easy to grow.
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and pH levels but prefers mildly acidic soil. Planting in the fall or spring is recommended. The ideal location for green hawthorn is in a spot that receives full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
Watering Needs
Green hawthorn requires frequent watering during the first year to establish the roots. Water the plant deeply and regularly until it is established. Once the plant is established, it can tolerate drought. However, it is recommended to water the plant during long periods of dry weather to keep it looking healthy.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer can be applied in the early spring before the new growth appeared. A slow-release, organic fertilizer can also be used. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they can promote more foliage growth than flowers. Over-fertilizing green hawthorn can result in the plant producing too much foliage, reducing the overall plant health.
Pruning
Green hawthorn does not require heavy pruning. However, a light pruning can be carried out in the early spring to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Light pruning will encourage bushy growth and an overall fuller appearance. It is also recommended to prune if the plant has become too dense or overgrown to promote better air circulation.
Propagation of Crataegus viridis L. var. lutescens Palmer ex Gleason
Crataegus viridis L. var. lutescens Palmer ex Gleason is commonly known as the green hawthorn. It is a deciduous shrub that is propagated mainly through seeds and cuttings.
Seed propagation
Propagation through seeds is the most common method. In order to germinate the seeds, they have to be stratified first, which means they have to be kept moist in a cool place for several months before planting. The ideal temperature for this process is around 4°C.
After stratification, the seeds can be planted in pots or trays filled with a well-draining planting mix. The seeds should be covered with a light layer of soil and kept moist. They should be placed in a warm and sunny spot, but not in direct sunlight. The germination process takes around 6 to 8 weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Crataegus viridis L. var. lutescens Palmer ex Gleason. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 15 cm long and taken from the current year's growth. They should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants.
After taking the cuttings, remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and place them in a warm, partially shaded place. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged.
The cuttings should root within 6 to 8 weeks. After rooting, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown on until they are ready to be planted in their permanent position.
Common Diseases
Crataegus viridis L. var. lutescens Palmer ex Gleason is generally a resilient plant, but several diseases can still affect it. One of the common ones is Fire Blight, which is a bacterial infection. Symptoms include blackening of the twigs, blossom blight, and new shoot wilting. You can manage the infection by pruning the infected areas and ensuring that you sterilize your pruning equipment after making each cut. Powdery Mildew is another common disease that manifests as a white or grey powder on the leaves. Management involves spraying the plant with a fungicide that contains neem oil or sulfur.
Common Pests
C. viridis L. var. lutescens can be affected by several pests, ranging from insects to larger herbivores. One of the common pests is Aphids, which suck the sap from the plant's leaves, resulting in curling or yellowing leaves. You can manage the infestation by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spider Mites are another common pest that can be challenging to control. They form webs on the leaves and suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing or browning of the leaves. You can manage the infestation by spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Integrated Pest Management
Controlling diseases and pests in C. viridis L. var. lutescens involves an integrated approach that combines various management strategies. One of the strategies is cultural management, involving practices such as removing infected plant parts, proper pruning, and watering the plant adequately. Another strategy is biological management, where you use organisms that prey on the pests to control their population. For instance, you can introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs to prey on aphids instead of using chemicals. Chemical management is another strategy, where you use pesticides or fungicides to control pests and diseases.
