Origin
Crataegus vulsa Beadle, commonly known as the Appalachian hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree or shrub of the Rosaceae family. It is native to the Appalachian Mountains in the Eastern United States, from Pennsylvania to Georgia.
Common Names
Aside from Appalachian hawthorn, Crataegus vulsa Beadle also goes by the names green haw, blue haw, mountain hawthorn, and gray haw.
Uses
The Appalachian hawthorn is commonly used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive appearance, particularly its white or pink flowers that bloom in the spring and its red fruits that ripen in the fall. It is also popular among bird enthusiasts as the fruit serves as a critical food source for birds, especially during the winter months.
The fruit of the Appalachian hawthorn has also been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. It is believed to have properties that aid in the digestion of fatty foods and help promote healthy blood circulation.
General Appearance
The Appalachian hawthorn is a small tree or shrub that typically grows to a height of 10-25 feet and a spread of 6-15 feet. Its leaves are oval-shaped, dark green, and have a glossy texture. The tree produces flowers in the spring, which are small, white or pink, and grow in clusters. These are then followed by red fruits in the fall, which are roughly the size of small apples but resemble rose hips.
The bark of the Appalachian hawthorn has a unique appearance, being gray in color and having cork-like ridges. Its branches tend to be thorny, and its wood is hard and dense.
Growth Conditions for Crataegus vulsa Beadle
Crataegus vulsa Beadle, commonly known as gray hawthorn, is a shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to North America and can grow up to 6 meters in height. This shrub prefers to grow in areas with a cool and moist climate, such as forests, meadows, and wetlands. Here are some growth conditions that gray hawthorn thrives in:
Light Requirements
Gray hawthorn requires a moderate amount of sunlight to grow successfully. It grows best in areas with partial shade, but it can also tolerate full sun. When planted in full sun, it is essential to provide enough water to the shrub to prevent it from drying out.
Temperature Requirements
Gray hawthorn is a hardy shrub that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C during the winter and as high as 30°C during the summer. However, it prefers to grow in areas with a cool climate, and temperatures between 10°C and 23°C are ideal for its growth.
Soil Requirements
The soil in which gray hawthorn grows must be well-drained and moist. It can grow in different types of soil, but it thrives best in loamy soils or soils with a high proportion of organic matter. The ideal pH range for gray hawthorn is between 6.0 and 7.5.
Gray hawthorn is a great addition to any garden or landscape, especially if you live in an area with a cool and moist climate. By providing it with the right growth conditions, you can watch it thrive and develop into a beautiful and healthy shrub.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus vulsa Beadle is a deciduous plant that requires full sun exposure to grow. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. Plant the seedlings or cuttings in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide, then place the plant in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Water the plant thoroughly after planting.
Ensure that the plant has ample space to grow and spread. Crataegus vulsa Beadle can grow up to 20 feet tall and wide, so it needs at least 10 feet of open space. Plant the saplings far enough apart to avoid overcrowding, yet close enough to provide shade when the plant matures.
Watering Needs
Water the Crataegus vulsa Beadle plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Young plants need more frequent watering to help them establish strong root systems. Once the plant matures, it can tolerate drought conditions. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce the frequency during cooler months.
Water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid evaporation. Water the plant at the base instead of spraying it from above to prevent disease.
Fertilization
Crataegus vulsa Beadle is a low-maintenance plant that does not require heavy fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 in the early spring to promote growth and again in mid-summer if the plant shows signs of slow growth or yellowing leaves. Follow the package directions carefully to avoid over-fertilization, which can damage the plant.
Apply compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the plant to provide additional nutrients. Do not apply fertilizer near the trunk or foliage.
Pruning
Prune the Crataegus vulsa Beadle plant in late winter or early spring before the new growth appears. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches first. Then, remove any crossing or rubbing branches to keep the plant's shape open and to prevent disease. Cut back the side branches to promote a more compact shape, and reduce the height of the plant if necessary.
Use sharp pruning shears or loppers to make clean cuts and avoid tearing the bark. Disinfect the tools before and after use to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Crataegus vulsa Beadle
Crataegus vulsa Beadle, also known as the Mississippi Hawthorn, is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It is native to the southeastern United States and is commonly found in wetlands, ravines, and near rivers.
Propagation by Seed
One of the most common methods of propagating Crataegus vulsa Beadle is through seed. Seeds should be collected from ripe fruit in the fall, and stored in a dry, cool place until spring. To improve germination rates, seeds should be cold stratified for 60-90 days before planting.
Once stratified, seeds can be planted in a well-draining soil mix, about 1/4 inch deep. Keep the soil moist and warm, but not too wet or too cold. Germination should occur within 2-3 months.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another method of propagating Crataegus vulsa Beadle is through cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken in the late summer or early fall, when the wood is partially mature. Cuttings should be about 6 inches long and taken from the previous year's growth.
The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. Cover the cuttings with a plastic bag and keep them in a warm, humid area. The cuttings should root within 6-8 weeks.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering involves bending a low-growing stem down to the ground and covering it with soil, allowing it to develop roots before severing it from the parent plant. This method is effective for Crataegus vulsa Beadle.
Choose a healthy stem and scrape away a section of the bark about 6 inches from the tip. Cover the scraped area with soil and secure the stem in place with a stake. Keep the soil moist and wait for roots to develop. Once rooted, cut the stem from the parent plant and transplant it.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus vulsa Beadle
Crataegus vulsa Beadle, also known as the Dwarf Hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub that is commonly grown for its highly ornamental flowers and fruits. While it is generally a hardy plant, it is still susceptible to a few diseases and pests that can damage its health and reduce its ornamental value. In this section, we will discuss some of the most common diseases and pests that affect Crataegus vulsa Beadle and how to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Crataegus vulsa Beadle is leaf spot, which is caused by fungal pathogens. Leaf spot can cause small, circular, brown spots on leaves, eventually leading to the production of black fruiting bodies. To manage this disease, it is best to remove infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Also, avoid overhead watering and promote good air circulation by pruning and thinning out the plant when necessary.
Another fungal disease that affects this plant is cedar apple rust, which is characterized by orange-brown spots on leaves, as well as galls on young shoots. To manage this disease, remove any infected plant parts and avoid planting near cedar trees, which are known to host the fungus.
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that affects many members of the Rosaceae family, including Crataegus vulsa Beadle. It causes wilting and blackening of leaves and shoots, and can be fatal to the plant if not managed properly. To manage fire blight, prune infected plant parts, remove any cankers on the plant, and sanitize pruning tools between cuts.
Pests
One of the most common pests that affect this plant is the hawthorn lace bug, which feeds on the undersides of leaves and causes yellowing and premature leaf drop. To manage this pest, it is best to use a systemic insecticide, such as imidacloprid, during the growing season.
Another pest that affects Crataegus vulsa Beadle is the hawthorn leafminer, which causes leaf curling and tunneling inside leaves. To manage this pest, it is best to remove infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Also, promote good air circulation by pruning and thinning out the plant when necessary.
Finally, the plant may be affected by spider mites, which cause yellowing and stippling of leaves. To manage this pest, it is best to use a miticide, such as neem oil, during the growing season.
In conclusion, disease and pest management are important aspects of growing Crataegus vulsa Beadle. By being vigilant and proactive, you can prevent these issues from damaging your plant and enjoy its beauty for years to come.
