Overview of Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer is a species of hawthorn plant that is native to North America. It is part of the Rosaceae family and is commonly known as the southern or velvety hawthorn.
Appearance of Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer
The plant is a small tree or shrub that grows up to 20 feet tall. It has a spreading or rounded crown with thorny branches. The leaves are simple, toothed, and dark green, while the flowers are small, white, and grow in clusters. The fruit is a small red or orange berry that is approximately 1/2 inch in diameter.
Uses of Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer
The fruit of the southern hawthorn is edible and has been used to make jellies and jams. In traditional medicine, it has been used to treat heart disease, digestive issues, and high blood pressure. The bark and leaves of the plant have also been used for medicinal purposes. The southern hawthorn is also planted as an ornamental tree for its attractive appearance and hardiness.
Cultural Significance and Common Names of Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer
The southern hawthorn is known by various common names, such as the velvety hawthorn, green hawthorn, and hog-plum hawthorn. It has cultural significance in Native American culture, where it has been used for traditional medicine and as a food source. In some tribes, the southern hawthorn was also considered a sacred plant with spiritual significance.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It is best to plant these trees where they can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can thrive in a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers moderate temperatures between 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F). During the winter season, the plant can tolerate sub-zero temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow well in soils that are well-draining and with varying pH levels from 5.0 to 7.5. Soil texture should be moderately heavy with the presence of organic matter. Loamy, sandy, and clay soils are ideal. The plant can not tolerate extremely high soil salinity levels.
Cultivation
Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. It is best to sow the seeds in the fall, allowing them to go through a period of stratification, or chilling, before germinating in the spring. Stem cuttings can be taken in the early summer and rooted in a well-draining potting mix. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Watering Needs
Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer should be watered deeply once a week, or as needed, depending on the level of rainfall and the soil moisture level. It can tolerate some drought but cannot survive in waterlogged soil. Ensure the soil drains well and do not let the plant stand in water.
Fertilization
It is recommended to fertilize Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer every spring with a slow-release fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio or similar. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and poor fruiting.
Pruning
Regular pruning ensures a healthy and attractive Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer. Removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches keeps the plant healthy, and the remaining branches can focus their energy on producing fruit. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before the plant starts to grow. Remove any branches that cross or rub against each other and any suckers that grow from the base of the tree. Pruning should not exceed more than 25% of the tree's canopy.
Propagation of Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer
Propagation is an essential aspect of growing Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer. There are several methods of propagation that can be used to grow this plant successfully. The most common methods of propagation are seed propagation, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most economical method of propagating Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer. The seeds of the plant should be collected from the fruit in the fall, and they should be stored in a cool and dry place until the following spring. In the spring, the seeds should be sown in pots, trays, or directly in the field. It is important to note that the seeds need to be stratified before planting to break the dormancy and stimulate germination. This process involves exposing the seeds to cool and moist conditions for a specific period.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another method of propagating Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer. Hardwood cuttings are taken from the parent plant during the dormant season and planted in rooting media. The cuttings should be about 8-10 inches long and have a diameter of ¼ to ½ inches. Before planting, the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone to enhance rooting. The cuttings are then planted in pots or trays, and they should be kept in a shaded area until they develop roots.
Grafting
Grafting is a common method of propagating Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer. This method involves joining a scion (a twig or bud) from the desired plant onto a rootstock from a related plant. This method is useful when the parent plant is not available or has poor genetics. Grafting is also useful for maintaining the desirable characteristics of the parent plant.
In conclusion, there are different methods of propagating Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of propagation method will depend on several factors such as the availability of materials, cost, and propagation goals.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as green hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. Like all plants, it is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests that can negatively affect its growth and overall health. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal leaf spot: This disease is caused by fungi that infect the leaves, causing spots to appear. Fungal leaf spot can lead to defoliation and reduced vigor in the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to remove infected leaves as soon as possible and avoid overhead watering, as moisture on the leaves can promote fungal growth.
Fire blight: This bacterial disease affects the stems, leaves, and flowers of the plant, causing them to turn black and appear scorched. Fire blight can be managed by pruning infected branches well below the affected area, avoiding overhead watering, and preventing wounds to the tree that can allow the bacteria to enter.
Cedar apple rust: This fungal disease affects the leaves and fruit of the plant, causing orange spots to appear on the leaves and deformed fruit. Cedar apple rust can be managed by removing nearby cedar trees, which are the alternate host of the disease, and treating the plant with fungicide.
Pests
Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the underside of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and appear stippled. Spider mites can be managed by spraying the plant with water to dislodge them, releasing predatory mites, or using insecticidal soap.
Scale insects: These insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to appear yellow and wilted. Scale insects can be managed by pruning heavily infested branches and using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control the population.
Caterpillars: These pests feed on the leaves and can quickly defoliate the plant if left unchecked. Caterpillars can be managed by handpicking them off the plant or using Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural bacteria that kills the caterpillars.
By keeping an eye out for these common disease and pest issues and taking appropriate action, it is possible to keep Crataegus viridis L. var. velutina (Sarg.) Palmer healthy and thriving.
