Overview
Crataegus ×pilosa Sarg. (pro sp.) is a plant species that belongs to the Rose family (Rosaceae). This species is commonly known as the hawthorn. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to North America.
Appearance
The hawthorn plant can grow up to 5 meters in height with a spread of up to 4 meters. Its branches are thorny, and it has glossy dark green leaves that are lobed or toothed. The hawthorn produces small, fragrant white flowers with red stamens that bloom in late spring to early summer. In the autumn, its red, orange, or yellow fruit (called haws) appears, which are roughly the size of a small apple.
Uses
The hawthorn plant has had medicinal uses for centuries. Its leaves, berries, and flowers are used to make tinctures, teas, and capsules that may aid in heart health and reduce blood pressure. Hawthorn is also used as a digestive aid and to treat anxiety.
Aside from its medicinal use, hawthorn is also used as a natural hedge or ornamental tree in landscaping due to its attractive flowers and fruit. Its wood is hard and durable, so it is often used to make handles for tools and fences.
In folklore, the hawthorn tree holds special significance. It is believed to be a tree of protection and has been associated with fairies in Scottish and Irish folklore.
Light Requirements
Crataegus ×pilosa Sarg. thrives best in full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. Therefore, you should plant it in an open area where it can receive adequate amounts of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species has a wide temperature tolerance range and can grow in various climatic conditions. Nevertheless, the optimal temperature range is between 20°C and 27°C (68°F-81°F). Ensure that the plant is protected from extreme temperatures during winter.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in moist, well-draining soils, rich in organic matter. A soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for the growth of Crataegus x pilosa Sarg. In dry conditions, the plant requires regular watering to maintain the soil moisture level.
Cultivation methods
Crataegus ×pilosa Sarg. (pro sp.) is best grown in areas with fertile, well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It can tolerate a range of soil pH levels but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. You can propagate Crataegus ×pilosa Sarg. (pro sp.) through seeds, layering, or stem cuttings. When transplanting, ensure that the seedlings are planted at the same depth as they were in the original container or nursery bed.
Watering needs
As a general rule, you should water your Crataegus ×pilosa Sarg. (pro sp.) whenever the top inch of soil is dry. Water deeply, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. During the growing season, provide your plants with about 1 inch of water per week. During the dormant season, reduce watering to a minimum.
Fertilization
Crataegus ×pilosa Sarg. (pro sp.) is a light feeder. You can fertilize your plants once a year, in early spring before the new growth begins. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions on the package or use about 1 pound per 100 square feet of soil area.
Pruning
To keep your Crataegus ×pilosa Sarg. (pro sp.) plant healthy and attractive, you should prune it regularly. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood first, then focus on shaping the plant. Crataegus ×pilosa Sarg. (pro sp.) can be pruned into a tree or a shrub form. Depending on the desired shape, remove crossing or rubbing branches, water sprouts, or damaged tips. Always use clean, sharp pruning tools and disinfect them between cuts to avoid spreading diseases.
Propagation of Crataegus ×pilosa Sarg.
Crataegus ×pilosa Sarg. can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Crataegus ×pilosa Sarg. can be sown in fall or spring. The seeds require stratification to break their dormancy. They can be stratified by keeping them in moist sand for 90 to 120 days at a temperature of 1 to 5°C. After the stratification period, the seeds can be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination. The ideal temperature for germination is 15 to 20°C.
Propagation through cuttings
Crataegus ×pilosa Sarg. can be propagated through softwood, semi-hardwood, or hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings can be taken in early summer, semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-summer to early fall, and hardwood cuttings in mid-winter to early spring. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be 10-15 cm long. The leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the cutting, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being inserted into well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, protected environment until they root.
Propagation through layering
Crataegus ×pilosa Sarg. can be propagated through layering, which involves bending a low branch to the ground and covering it with soil. The branch should be wounded and treated with rooting hormone before being covered by soil. The layer should be kept moist and in a warm, protected environment until it roots. Once the layer has rooted, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted.
Propagation through grafting
Crataegus ×pilosa Sarg. can also be propagated through grafting onto rootstock of a related species. The grafting should be done in the spring before the tree starts to leaf out. A scion from the desired plant should be cut and grafted onto the rootstock with matching cambium layers. The graft should be wrapped with grafting tape to hold it in place and should be kept moist and in a warm, protected environment until it has healed.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus ×pilosa Sarg.
Crataegus ×pilosa Sarg., commonly known as the cockspur hawthorn, is a small, deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is known for its showy flowers, red fruits, and spiny branches. Like all plants, the cockspur hawthorn is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and appearance. Here are some of the common diseases and pests, along with ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fungal Diseases: The cockspur hawthorn is prone to various fungal infections, including rust, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and fire blight. These diseases can cause leaf drop, premature defoliation, stunted growth, and canker formation. You can prevent fungal infections by ensuring good air circulation around the tree, avoiding overhead irrigation, and providing optimum sunlight and soil drainage. Fungicides may be applied to manage severe fungal infections, but prevention is key.
Bacterial Diseases: The cockspur hawthorn is also vulnerable to bacterial infections, such as fire blight, which can cause wilting, blackening, and canker formation on twigs and branches. Remove infected plant parts and disinfect pruning tools to avoid spreading the disease. Copper-based fungicides may be used to manage severe cases of bacterial infections.
Pests
Aphids: These tiny, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the cockspur hawthorn, causing distorted growth, yellowing of leaves, and the formation of sticky honeydew. Aphids can be managed by physically removing them from the tree or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves of the cockspur hawthorn. They can cause yellowing, bronzing, and premature defoliation. Hose down the tree with water or use an insecticidal soap to control mite populations.
Caterpillars: The larvae of certain moth and butterfly species can feed on the leaves of the cockspur hawthorn, causing defoliation and reduced growth. Pick off the caterpillars by hand or use insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis to manage large infestations.
Overall, preventing diseases and pests is the most effective approach to managing them. Providing proper care and maintenance, such as pruning and fertilization, can help keep the cockspur hawthorn healthy and resistant to pests and diseases.
