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Description
Crataegus Holmesiana, also known as Holmes’ Hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to North America and can grow up to 20 feet tall with a spread of 10-15 feet. The tree has a rounded crown and a dense foliage of glossy green leaves that turn red in the fall. It produces white flowers in the spring, followed by red fruits that persist throughout the winter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Crataegus |
Appearance
Crataegus Holmesiana has a dense foliage of glossy green leaves that are 2-3 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. In the fall, the leaves turn a vibrant red color. The tree produces white flowers that are 1 inch wide and have five petals. The flowers bloom in the spring and are followed by red fruits that are 0.5-0.75 inches in diameter. The fruits persist throughout the winter and provide food for birds.
Care Guide
Crataegus Holmesiana is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for your Holmes’ Hawthorn:
Water: Water your tree regularly, especially during the first year of growth. Once established, it can tolerate some drought.
Fertilization: Fertilize your tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can damage the roots.
Soil: Crataegus Holmesiana prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can grow in a wide range of soils, including clay, loam, and sand.
Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may affect its growth and flowering.
Hardiness Zones: Crataegus Holmesiana is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Crataegus Holmesiana is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to the following:
Cedar-Apple Rust: This fungal disease causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves and cankers on the branches. It can be prevented by planting resistant varieties of hawthorn and removing nearby cedar trees.
Hawthorn Lace Bug: This insect feeds on the leaves and causes them to turn yellow or brown. It can be controlled by spraying the tree with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fire Blight: This bacterial disease causes the branches to wilt and turn black. It can be prevented by pruning infected branches and spraying the tree with a copper-based fungicide.
Habitat
Crataegus Holmesiana is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and roadsides. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate some drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Crataegus Holmesiana a good tree for landscaping?
A: Yes, Crataegus Holmesiana is a great tree for landscaping. It has a dense foliage of glossy green leaves that turn red in the fall, and it produces white flowers in the spring and red fruits that persist throughout the winter. It is also relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for.
Q: Does Crataegus Holmesiana attract birds?
A: Yes, Crataegus Holmesiana produces red fruits that are attractive to birds. The fruits persist throughout the winter and provide food for birds.
Q: Can Crataegus Holmesiana grow in clay soil?
A: Yes, Crataegus Holmesiana can grow in clay soil. However, it prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
Q: How tall does Crataegus Holmesiana grow?
A: Crataegus Holmesiana can grow up to 20 feet tall with a spread of 10-15 feet.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Crataegus Holmesiana:
- Crataegus laevigata (English Hawthorn)
- Crataegus monogyna (Single-Seed Hawthorn)
- Crataegus phaenopyrum (Washington Hawthorn)
- Crataegus viridis (Green Hawthorn)
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Crataegus Holmesiana
- University of Connecticut Plant Database: Crataegus Holmesiana
- North Carolina State University: Hawthorn Diseases & Insect Pests
- University of Illinois Extension: Hawthorns for the Home Landscape
