Crataegus macrosperma — an easy houseplant, prefers partial sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Crataegus macrosperma

Crataegus Macrosperma

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ON THIS PLANT

Crataegus macrosperma, the bigfruit hawthorn is a species of hawthorn native to most of the eastern United States and adjacent Canada, though uncommon at lower altitudes in the south. It is sometimes misidentified as C. flabellata. It is one of the earliest hawthorns to bloom in spring.

A note from PlantMom

Big-fruit hawthorn is resistant to disease and is generally not prone to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs little watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. However, smaller plants should be pruned after they have bloomed. Big-fruit hawthorn is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Crataegus Macrosperma.

Light

Big-fruit hawthorn is native to settings like forest understories or rocky sites, where it grows in natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can adapt to full sun or full shade, showing its adaptable, hardy nature.

Water

The big-fruit hawthorn thrives in moderate climates, requiring well-drained soil and balanced moisture levels. Native to temperate regions, it ideally needs watering every three weeks to match natural rainfall patterns. Typically cultivated outdoors, the big-fruit hawthorn benefits from the precipitation it receives during the growing season.

Temperature

Big-fruit hawthorn is highly adaptable to different climate conditions, from blistering summers to frosty winters. It nevertheless has a preferred temperature range for healthy growth. If temperatures get too high, the plant becomes vulnerable to heat and humidity stress, which can cause it to die. In areas where temperatures approach the lower limit of its cold tolerance, providing insulation is important to protect the plant.

Fertilizer

The Big-fruit hawthorn plant needs adequate nutrients to achieve optimal fruit production. Fertilize in early spring to promote new growth and flower development. Regular feeding keeps the plant healthy, produces more delicious fruit, and prevents nutrient deficiency problems like yellow leaves and poor fruit production.

Pruning

The big-fruit hawthorn is known for its large fruits and attractive foliage. To maintain its health, prune the tree in early spring. Focus on removing dead branches and thinning out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Regular pruning encourages healthy growth and fruit production, but be careful not to prune too heavily, as this can stress the plant. Always use clean tools to prevent the spread of disease.

Pot & Repot

To help big-fruit hawthorn thrive, make sure your pots have excellent drainage. This encourages healthy root growth and prevents water-related problems.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Crataegus
Family
Rosaceae
Hardiness Zone
3-7
Mature Height
3.66 m to 21.95 m
Mature Spread
3.05 m to 6.1 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
1.52 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Variable hawthorn en Bigfruit Hawthorn en Big-fruit Hawthorn en Big-fruited Hawthorn en Early Thorn
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

What's the best way to water my Big-fruit hawthorn tree?

To ensure excellent root development in your plants, here are some watering tips: 1. Instead of spraying the leaves directly, place a garden hose at the base of the plant. 2. If your plants are outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves will need more water. 3. Consider using bubblers or soaker hoses to keep the roots moist. 4. When adding or removing plants, use soaker hoses that can cover the entire garden or bed and help the roots grow deeper. 5. After watering, make sure to drain any excess water and wait for the soil to dry before watering again. 6. To prevent diseases, always water at ground level. 7. On sunny days, it can be beneficial to spray the entire bush with water. 8. Whether your plants are potted or in the ground, remember that Big-fruit hawthorn prefers deep watering rather than light sprinkling.

Why should I put fertilizer on my Big-fruit hawthorn?

No matter what kind of Big-fruit hawthorn you have, regular fertilization is essential for its overall health. Providing the right nutrients will promote stronger growth and make your Big-fruit hawthorn more resilient to harsh conditions and better at fighting diseases and pests. Keeping the foliage intact is important because it is one of the plant's most attractive features. To maintain healthy foliage, you should follow a fertilization schedule designed specifically for your Big-fruit hawthorn. This will encourage the development of vibrant, lush leaves.

What are the sunlight requirements for plants?

Plants require varying amounts of sunlight depending on their type. Partial sun plants need about 3-6 hours of sunlight daily, while full sun plants thrive in conditions where they receive more than 6 hours of sunlight a day. It's essential to watch how sunlight moves through your garden to choose spots that provide an ideal balance of light and shade, ensuring your plants' happiness.

What should I do if I give too much or too little water to the Big-fruit hawthorn plant?

An overwatered Big-fruit hawthorn displays symptoms such as yellow, wilting leaves that eventually drop off. The plant may also appear dull and unhealthy, with mushy stems. It is advisable to adjust your watering schedule when these signs are observed. Conversely, wilting can also indicate under watering, which manifests as crispy, dry leaves. In such cases, check the soil for dryness and provide a thorough watering when necessary. While this will help the Big-fruit hawthorn regain its health, the plant may still exhibit dryness and yellowing leaves due to root damage. Once the plant returns to normal, the yellowing of leaves will cease. When keeping the Big-fruit hawthorn indoors, regularly check the moisture levels in the pot to prevent overwatering and the presence of black spots. If such spots are present, allow the soil to dry out by refraining from watering for a few days. Overwatering can lead to root rot, characterized by discolored and slimy roots. If root rot is observed, consider transferring the plant to a new pot and take precautions to prevent further occurrence. When planting the Big-fruit hawthorn outdoors, ensure the soil is adequately moistened as dryness could indicate underwatering. Proper watering is essential to facilitate the plant's recovery.

When should I put fertilizer on my Big-fruit hawthorn tree for the best results?

To ensure healthy growth, it is recommended to fertilize your Big-fruit hawthorn during late winter or early spring. This provides necessary nutrients for growth once the weather warms up. If you live in a warm climate, an additional fertilizer feeding in early fall can be beneficial. This adds nutrients for the following growing season and helps the hawthorn withstand the winter cold without leaf damage. Fertilizing earlier in fall ensures new branches have enough time to grow and withstand the cold winter.

What are the essentials for growing Big-fruit hawthorn?

Big-fruit hawthorn, native to environments like forest understories or rocky areas, experiences natural shade and prefers partial sun conditions but can tolerate full shade. This makes it a versatile perennial herbaceous plant. In conditions where natural sunlight is insufficient, especially indoors in winter or less sunny spaces, artificial lighting is recommended. Artificial lights, like LED lights which can be tailored to provide specific wavelengths, are crucial for indoor plants' growth and health. They should offer 30-50W/sq ft for full sun plants, 20-30W/sq ft for partial sun plants, and 10-20W/sq ft for full shade plants. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, and most plants require 8-12 hours of light per day.

How frequently do I need to water my Big-fruit hawthorn plant?

The Big-fruit hawthorn prefers deep and infrequent watering. If they're in pots, make sure to soak them in a gallon of water each time. Potted plants dry out faster, so watering every 3 to 5 days is necessary in cold regions. Water them early in the morning when the soil is dry, both indoors and outdoors. You can check if watering is needed by examining the soil. If the top 2-3 inches are dry, give the plant a full watering. On hot days, check the soil moisture daily as the heat can dry it out quickly. Garden irrigation is also required. In a hot climate, watering once a week is sufficient. Only water when the soil becomes too dry, about 2-3 inches down. Take rainfall into consideration and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Rainwater may eliminate the need for additional watering. To conserve water, add 3 to 4 inches of mulch when the plants are outdoors during spring and fall. Sandy soil drains faster, so water those plants more frequently. As for clay soil, water them less often to prevent root rot. Marking the watering dates on a calendar can help, as drooping leaves indicate they may need to be watered a day earlier.

When should I not add fertilizer to my Big-fruit hawthorn plant?

There are a few instances when you should avoid fertilizing your Big-fruit hawthorn. Firstly, in the early and mid-winter months when the plant is dormant and does not require feeding. It is also not recommended to fertilize during late spring and summer, as the hotter and dryer weather can negatively impact the plant's response to fertilization. To prevent any issues, it is best to stick to a fertilization schedule that focuses on feeding during early spring and early fall.

What are the symptoms of insufficient light in Big-fruit hawthorn?

Insufficient light can cause several symptoms in Big-fruit hawthorn, including smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, lighter-colored new leaves, chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These symptoms reflect the plant's struggle with adapting to inadequate lighting by altering growth patterns and physiological functions in an attempt to conserve resources and protect itself from damage.

How much water should I give my Big-fruit hawthorn plant?

The Big-fruit hawthorn generally needs about a gallon of water on a regular schedule. For potted plants, water them deeply until you see water dripping from the bottom of the pot. Then, wait for the soil to dry before watering again. You can use a water calculator or a moisture meter to determine how much water you've given the plant in a week. Water the plant generously during the flowering period, but allow the moisture to evaporate afterwards to prevent root rot. If the Big-fruit hawthorn is planted outside and receives sufficient rainfall, it may not need additional watering. However, when the hawthorn is young or newly planted, make sure it receives 1-2 inches of rain per week. As the hawthorn grows, it can rely solely on rainfall. Only in extremely hot weather or when there is no rainfall for 2-3 weeks should you consider giving the hawthorn a full watering during the cooler part of the day to prevent damage from heat. Additional watering is necessary during prolonged dry spells.

What kind of fertilizer does my Big-fruit hawthorn tree need?

The most important nutrient for a Big-fruit hawthorn is usually nitrogen, but phosphorus and potassium are still important. It's best to use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10, as the Big-fruit hawthorn needs all three nutrients. However, using a slightly higher amount of nitrogen may lead to optimal growth. For instance, a ratio of 10-6-4 could work well. You have the options of using granular or liquid-based fertilizers when fertilizing the plant.

What solutions can help Big-fruit hawthorn adapt to light conditions?

To optimize Big-fruit hawthorn's growth in varying light conditions, gradual adaptation is key. For indoor plants, progressively moving them to sunnier spots each week until they receive 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily or providing extra light with artificial lighting for at least 8 hours daily can help. For outdoor plants, adjusting their location to progressively sunnier areas each week while avoiding sudden changes that could cause sunburn is advised. Additionally, reducing obstructions like pruning trees can increase sunlight exposure. If the plant is small, consider transplanting during its dormant period to a location with better sunlight and drainage. It's important to note that parts of the plant affected by insufficient light may not recover, but new growth should be healthy with improved light conditions.

PLATES
Crataegus macrosperma leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Crataegus macrosperma leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Crataegus macrosperma flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Crataegus macrosperma bark
PLATE 04 · bark
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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