Overview
Crataegus visenda Beadle, also known as the Gray Haw, is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to eastern North America and can be found growing from Ontario, Canada, to Georgia, United States. The plant is known for its beautiful pinkish-white flowers and red fruits that bloom in the spring and summer.
Appearance
The Gray Haw can grow up to 9 meters in height and has a spread of 6 meters. The tree has multiple stems and branches that form a rounded crown. Its leaves are alternate, simple, and have a serrated margin. The upper surface of the leaves is glossy dark green, while the lower surface is pale and hairy.
It produces flowers that are pinkish-white and grow in clusters. The flowers have five petals and bloom from May to June. The fruits of the plant are bright red and round, with a diameter of about 1 cm.
Common Names
Aside from Gray Haw, Crataegus visenda Beadle is also called Dotted Hawthorn, Red Haw, and Spotted Hawthorn.
Uses
The Gray Haw has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. The plant contains antioxidants and flavonoids that have been shown to have a positive effect on heart health. The fruits of the plant also have some culinary uses. They can be used to make jams, jellies, and syrups.
The tree is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It is a hardy plant that is easy to care for and does well in a wide range of soils and growing conditions. Its beautiful flowers and fruit make it an attractive addition to any garden.
Light Requirements
Crataegus visenda is a plant that typically grows in full sun or partial shade conditions. In full sun, it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. In partial shade, the plant can tolerate less than six hours of direct sunlight each day. It is essential to provide the right amount of sunlight for the plant since inadequate light will result in stunted growth and weak branches.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires a cold winter period to thrive. It can tolerate a wide range of temperature, but the ideal range is between -30°C and 30°C in its active period. In colder regions, the plant goes into dormancy during the winter season, but it resumes growth as soon as warm weather returns. Proper temperature regulation ensures that it grows healthy leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus visenda grows well in well-draining soils that are moderately fertile. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5- 7.0, and should be rich in organic matter. It is essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged since the plant is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soils. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus visenda Beadle is a hardy plant that grows best in areas with adequate sunlight and well-draining soil. It can withstand cold and dry conditions, making it an ideal plant for gardens and landscapes with poor soil quality. The plant can be propagated by seed or by hardwood cuttings taken from mature plants.
Watering Needs
Crataegus visenda Beadle requires moderate watering, and it is essential to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently, and the soil should be allowed to dry slightly between watering sessions. During periods of high temperatures and drought, additional watering may be necessary to prevent the plant from wilting. However, be careful not to water too much.
Fertilization
The plant requires moderate fertilization to thrive. Fertilizers should be applied during the growing season to promote vegetative growth, blooming, and fruiting. The recommended fertilizers for this plant are those with balanced N-P-K ratios. The fertilizer should be applied at the base of the plant, following the recommended dosage instructions. Do not over-fertilize as this can lead to excessive growth and may affect the quality of the fruit.
Pruning
Pruning Crataegus visenda Beadle is essential to maintain its shape, promote growth, and improve fruiting. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season, before the onset of spring growth. The plant should be pruned to remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood. It should also be pruned to eliminate any suckers at the base of the plant from which new growth may arise. Additionally, pruning should be done to shape the plants and to encourage the development of lateral branches, which results in more blooms and fruit.
Propagation of Crataegus visenda Beadle
Crataegus visenda Beadle, commonly known as the Grey Hawthorn or River Hawthorn, is a small ornamental tree that is native to several regions in North America. Propagation of this plant is relatively easy and can be achieved through different methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Crataegus visenda Beadle is through seed propagation. The seeds are collected from the mature fruits of the tree, usually in the fall, and then stored until spring. Before planting, the seeds are sown in pots or trays filled with a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they germinate.
Cuttings Propagation
Another way to propagate Crataegus visenda Beadle is through cuttings. Hardwood cuttings taken in the late fall or early winter from the current year's growth are the best for this method. They should be around 9 to 12 inches long and cut from the parent tree at a 45-degree angle. The cuttings are then dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a mixture of sand and peat moss. They should be kept in a sheltered area with adequate moisture until they have developed their own root system.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another propagation method that can be used for Crataegus visenda Beadle. This method involves the attachment of a piece of one plant (the scion) onto another plant (the rootstock) to create a new plant. The grafting process requires a specific technique that involves the removal of the bark and cambium of both the scion and rootstock and then securing them together until they form a union.
Overall, Crataegus visenda Beadle can be propagated through different methods that include seed propagation, cuttings propagation, and grafting propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus visenda Beadle
Crataegus visenda Beadle, commonly known as the Beadle's hawthorn, is a small ornamental tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This tree is highly ornamental, with beautiful, dark green foliage and fragrant white flowers. However, it is also susceptible to a range of diseases and pests, which can affect its growth and aesthetic appeal. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, as well as ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fungal leaf spot: This is a common disease that affects many species of hawthorn. It is characterized by dark spots that have yellow borders on the leaves. The spots may eventually merge, causing the leaves to drop prematurely. To manage this disease, it is advisable to prune and destroy the affected leaves and branches to prevent the spread of the fungus. Regular applications of fungicides during the growing season may also help to keep the disease under control.
Fire blight: This disease affects the leaves, branches, and flowers of the plant, causing them to turn brown and die. The disease is caused by a bacterium, and it is highly contagious. To manage fire blight, it is important to prune and destroy the infected parts of the plant immediately. Copper-based and streptomycin-based fungicides are effective in preventing the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew: This disease is characterized by white or gray patches on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The patches are powdery in texture, and they may cause the leaves to curl and distort. To manage this disease, regular applications of fungicides during the growing season may be recommended. Pruning and removing diseased parts of the plant can also help to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed by sucking sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. They are usually found on the undersides of the leaves, and they can cause the plant to become stunted and distorted. To manage aphids, regularly spraying the plant with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil may be effective. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can be introduced to the garden for biological control.
Leaf miner: Leaf miner larvae are small, worm-like insects that tunnel through the leaves of the plant, causing them to become distorted and blotchy. To manage leaf miners, it is advisable to prune and destroy the affected leaves. Beneficial insects, such as parasitic wasps, can be introduced to the garden to help control the population of leaf miners.
Mites: Mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can cause the leaves to become discolored and distorted, and they may also spin webs on the plant. To manage mites, regularly spraying the plant with a miticide may be recommended.
By following proper disease and pest management techniques, you can enhance the growth and beauty of your Crataegus visenda Beadle and ensure that it remains healthy and free from pests and diseases.
