Overview
Crataegus viridis L., commonly known as the green hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the rose family Rosaceae. It is native to North America and can be found in many states including Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
Description
The green hawthorn has a compact, rounded form and can grow up to 25 feet tall. Its bark is grayish-brown or dark brown and is slightly fissured. The plant's leaves are round to oval-shaped with serrated edges, and they are a bright green color with a glossy surface. The flowers bloom in the spring and are white or pink, and they are followed by red or green fruit in the fall that resembles a small apple.
Common Names
The green hawthorn is commonly known by several names, including parsley-leaved hawthorn, parsley-leaved thorn, green haw, and green-leaf hawthorn.
Uses
The green hawthorn has several uses. Its fruit is edible and can be used to make jellies and jams. The leaves and flowers are used in traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders. The plant's wood is hard and dense, making it suitable for lumber and fuel. The plant is also used as an ornamental tree due to its beautiful blooms and foliage.
Furthermore, the green hawthorn is often used in erosion control and as a hedge due to its dense foliage and thorny branches. The thorns also provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife.
In summary, Crataegus viridis L. is a useful and attractive plant that has multiple uses and benefits.Light Requirements
Crataegus viridis L. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In areas with hot summers, the plant may benefit from some protection from the afternoon sun.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to temperate regions and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can withstand freezing temperatures and is hardy in zones 4-8. However, extreme heat can stress the plant and negatively impact growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus viridis L. thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. It does well in rocky or gravelly soils but can also grow in loamy soils. The plant prefers soils that are moderately fertile and can tolerate soil with low fertility.
Cultivation
Crataegus viridis L. plants do well in almost any type of soil and require full sunlight for optimal growth. It is recommended to grow them in well-draining soil to avoid waterlogging, which can damage the roots. They are hardy and can withstand cold and dry conditions, making them ideal for various climatic conditions.
Watering needs
The watering needs of Crataegus viridis L. plants depend on the soil type, humidity levels, and weather conditions. They require moderate watering during the growing season and reduced watering during the dormant period. These plants are drought-tolerant and can thrive in dry weather conditions. However, it's essential to ensure that the soil is not completely dry and that the plant is not under drought stress.
Fertilization
Crataegus viridis L. plants do not require heavy fertilization. A nutrient-rich soil that is well-draining is sufficient for their growth. Adding compost or aged manure to the soil can help improve soil quality. If the plant is growing in a low-nutrient soil, adding a small amount of balanced fertilizer during the growing season can help boost their growth.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for Crataegus viridis L. plants, and it is best carried out during the dormant season. This can help keep the plant neat and promote healthy growth. The pruning should focus on removing any damaged, dead, or diseased wood. It's also a good idea to remove any suckers that arise from the plant's base as they can draw nutrients away from the main plant. It's best to use sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Crataegus viridis L.
Crataegus viridis L., also known as green hawthorn, can be propagated through various methods. The plant belongs to the family Rosaceae and is native to North America.
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is common but may not always give true-to-type plants. Sow the seeds in autumn, in well-drained soil mixed with sand. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist. Germination usually begins in the spring, and the seedlings can be transplanted once they are large enough to handle.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is a reliable method to get exact copies of the parent plant. The plant can be propagated through hardwood cuttings, softwood cuttings, or layering.
Hardwood cuttings
Take 20 cm long, hardwood cuttings in winter, when the plant is dormant. Cut the lower end at an angle and the top end straight. Dip the bottom end in rooting hormone and plant the cuttings in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and protect the cuttings from direct sunlight until they have rooted.
Softwood cuttings
Softwood cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Take 10 cm long cuttings from the new growth, dip the lower end in rooting hormone, and plant the cuttings in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and protect the cuttings from direct sunlight until they have rooted.
Layering
Layering is a method that involves encouraging roots to form on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. In early spring, select a flexible branch and bend it down to the ground. Remove the leaves from the part of the stem that will be buried. Make a shallow cut in the stem and apply rooting hormone to the wound. Bury the wounded part of the stem in the soil and keep it moist. Roots should form within a few months, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted.
Crataegus viridis L. can be propagated through seeds or vegetative propagation methods like hardwood cuttings, softwood cuttings, or layering. Careful consideration of the propagation method used can ensure successful propagation and growth of the plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus viridis L. Plant
Crataegus viridis L., commonly known as Green Hawthorn, is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful green leaves and small, white flowers. However, just like any other plant, it is vulnerable to both diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Crataegus viridis L. plant is Rust, a fungal infection that causes orange or brown spots on the leaves and stems. To manage Rust, it is advisable to prune off the affected areas carefully and dispose of them properly. Additionally, spraying the plant with a fungicide containing neem oil, sulfur, or copper can help prevent further spread of the infection.
Another disease that affects Green Hawthorn is Fire Blight, which is characterized by wilting, blackening, and drying of the leaves, branches, and flowers. To manage Fire Blight, it is crucial to prune the affected branches at least six inches below the infected area and dispose of them appropriately. Also, it is best to avoid over-fertilizing the plant, watering it at night, or allowing water to settle at the base of the plant, as these conditions can promote the growth and spread of the bacteria.
Common Pests
Green Hawthorn is vulnerable to several pests, including aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Aphids and spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to curl, yellow, or drop off. To manage these pests, it is advisable to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, which kill the pests without harming beneficial insects.
Scale insects, on the other hand, are small, hard-shelled insects that attach themselves to the plant's stems or leaves and suck sap from them. To manage scale, it is advisable to prune the affected areas and remove the insects physically. Additionally, applying a sticky band around the base of the plant can trap the scale insects and prevent them from moving up the plant.
In conclusion, disease and pest management are crucial for maintaining the health and beauty of Crataegus viridis L. plant. Regular inspection, proper pruning, and the use of appropriate pesticides and fungicides can help prevent and manage both diseases and pests.
