Common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

As is the case with most other trees, Common hawthorn will need regular waterings while first getting established (usually, their first year of growth). Make sure soil around the tree doesn't stay dry for too long and provide extra water during hot or dry spells. Once established, however, these trees are quite drought tolerant - unless you live in a very arid area, they should only require supplemental waterings during extreme hot or dry stretches.

Fertilization

Common hawthorn is a hardy plant that can thrive even in relatively poor soil – however, to encourage virorous growth and healthy blooms, you can feed your plant a balanced (e.g., 10-10-10), slow acting fertilizer. This can be applied around the base of the plant in spring for three years after its establishment – afterward, you can switch to once every other year.

Pruning

Trim the dead, diseased, overgrown branches in winter.

Soil

Sand, Loam, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

Potting Suggestions

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Needs excellent drainage in pots.

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Common hawthorn

Water

Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight

Full sun

Planting Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Fall, Early winter

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Questions About Common hawthorn

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What's the best method to water my Common hawthorn?

You might want to put a garden hose at the plant base to ensure that you're promoting excellent root development. Avoid directly spraying the leaves, and know that the leaves will require more watering if they are outdoors and facing direct sunlight. You can also use bubblers that you can put on to each plant to moisten the roots. Also, use soaker hoses that can cover the entire garden or bed when adding or removing plants to push the roots deeply. Drain any excess water and wait for the soil to dry before watering. Water at ground level to prevent diseases. On a sunny day, you might want to spray the entire bush with water. Whether potted or in-ground, please remember Common hawthorn prefers deep watering over light sprinkling.

What should I do if I water Common hawthorn too much/too little?

An overwatered Common hawthorn can start to have leaves that turn yellow, drop off and wilt. The plant can also look dull and unhealthy, with signs of mushy stems. When they are beginning to show these signs, it's best to adjust your schedule whenever possible.

The wilting can also be a sign of under watering as well. You might see that the leaves begin to turn crispy and dry while the overwatered ones will have soft wilted leaves. Check the soil when it is dry and watering is not enough, give it a full watering in time. Enough water will make the Common hawthorn recover again, but the plant will still appear dry and yellow leaves after a few days due to the damaged root system. Once it return to normal, the leave yellowing will stop .

Always check the moisture levels at the pot when you have the Common hawthorn indoors. Avoid overwatering indoors and see if there are signs of black spots. If these are present, let the soil dry in the pot by giving it a few days of rest from watering.

Overwatering can lead to root rot being present in your plant. If this is the case, you might want to transfer them into a different pot, especially if you see discolored and slimy roots. Always prevent root rot as much as possible, and don't let the soil become too soggy.

You should dig a little deeper when you plant your Common hawthorn outdoors. When you check with your fingers and notice that the soil is too dry, it could mean underwatering. Adequate watering is required to help the plant recover.

How often should I water my Common hawthorn?

The Common hawthorn likes deep and infrequent watering. You would want to soak them in a gallon of water each time, especially when they are planted in pots. The water storage of flower pots is limited and the soil will dry out faster. Watering is required every 3 to 5 days when living in a cold region. Water it early in the morning when the soil is dry, outdoors or indoors. You can also determine if watering is needed by checking the soil inside. When the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry, it is time to give the plant a full watering. During hot days, you may need to check the moisture daily, as the heat can quickly dry out the soil in the pot.

Irrigation of the soil is also required if you have a garden. When you live in a hot climate, you might want to water once a week. Only water when you notice that about 2 to 3 inches of soil become too dry outdoors or indoors. Consider the amount of rainwater on the plant and ensure not to add to it to prevent root rot.You may not need additional watering of the plants if there is a lot of rainfall.Common hawthorn generally grows during spring and fall. When they are outdoors, you need to add mulch about 3 to 4 inches deep to conserve more water.

You need to water the plants more frequently in sandy soil because this type tends to drain faster. However, with the clay one, you need to water this less frequently where you could go for 2-3 days to dry the plant and not develop any root rot. You could mark the date on the calendar whenever you water and when you notice that the leaves are starting to droop. This can mean that you might be a day late.

How much water do I need to give my Common hawthorn?

The Common hawthorn generally needs about a gallon of water each schedule,With the potted plants, you might want to water them deeply until you see that the water is dripping at the bottom of the pot. Then, wait for the soil to dry before watering them again. You can use a water calculator or a moisture meter to determine the amount you've given to your plant in a week. Provide plenty of water, especially in the flowering period, but let the moisture evaporate afterwards to prevent root rot.

If Common hawthorn is planted outdoor with adequate rainfall, it may not need additional watering. When Common hawthorn is young or newly planted, make sure it gets 1-2 inches of rain per week. As Common hawthorn continues to grow, it can survive entirely on rainfall. Only when the weather is too hot, or when there is no rainfall at all for 2-3 weeks, then consider giving Common hawthorn a full watering during the cooler moment of the day to prevent the plant from suffering from high heat damage. Additional watering will be required during persistent dry spells.

Should I adjust the watering frequency for my Common hawthorn according to different seasons or climates?

The Common hawthorn needs outdoors come from rain, with only persistent dry weather requiring watering. Throughout the spring and fall growing seasons, the soil needs to be kept moist but not soggy, and alternating dry and moist soil conditions will allow the Common hawthorn to grow well. Throughout the summer, hot weather can cause water to evaporate too quickly, and if there is a lack of rainfall, you will need to water more frequently and extra to keep it moist.

Usually, the Common hawthorn will need less water during the winter. Since the Common hawthorn will drop their leaves and go dormant, you can put them into a well-draining but moisture-retentive soil mixture like the terracotta to help the water evaporate quicker. Once your Common hawthorn growing outdoors begins to leaf out and go dormant, you can skip watering altogether and in most cases Common hawthorn can rely on the fall and winter rains to survive the entire dormant period.

After the spring, you can cultivate your Common hawthorn and encourage it to grow and bloom when the temperature becomes warmer.This plant is not generally a fan of ponding or drought when flowering. You must ensure that the drainage is good at all times, especially during the winter.

When the plant is in a pot, the plant has limited root growth. Keep them well-watered, especially if they are planted in pots during summer. They don't like cold and wet roots, so provide adequate drainage, especially if they are still growing.

It's always best to water your Common hawthorn’s diligently. Get the entire root system into a deep soak at least once or twice a week, depending on the weather. It's best to avoid shallow sprinkles that reach the leaves since they generally encourage the growth of fungi and don't reach deep into the roots. Don't allow the Common hawthorn’s to dry out completely in the fall or winter, even if they are already dormancy.

Don't drown the plants because they generally don't like sitting in water for too long. They can die during winter if the soil does not drain well. Also, apply mulch whenever possible to reduce stress, conserve water, and encourage healthy blooms.

What should I be careful with when I water my Common hawthorn in different seasons, climates, or during different growing periods?

If planting in the ground, Common hawthorn mostly relies on rain. However, if there is no rainfall for 2-3 weeks, you may need to give proper consideration to giving the plants a deep watering. If watering Common hawthorn in summer, you should try to do it in the morning. A large temperature difference between the water temperature and the root system can stress the roots. You need to avoid watering the bushes when it's too hot outside. Start mulching them during the spring when the ground is not too cold.

The age of the plants matter. Lack of water is one of the most common reasons the newly planted ones fail to grow. After they are established, you need to ease off the watering schedule.

Reduce watering them during the fall and winter, especially if they have a water-retaining material in the soil. The dry winds in winter can dry them out, and the newly planted ones can be at risk of drought during windy winter, summer, and fall. Windy seasons mean that there's more watering required. The ones planted in the pot tend to dry out faster, so they need more watering. Once you see that they bloom less, the leaves begin to dry up.

Potted plants are relatively complex to water and fluctuate in frequency. Always be careful that the pot-planted plant don't sit in the water. Avoid putting them in containers with saucers, bowls, and trays. Too much watering in the fall can make the foliage look mottled or yellowish. It's always a good idea to prevent overwatering them regardless of the current climate or season that you might have. During the months when Common hawthorn begins to flower, you might want to increase the watering frequency but give it a rest once they are fully grown.

Give them an adequate amount of water once every 3 to 5 days but don't give them regular schedules. Make sure the soil is dry by sticking your finger in the pot, or use a moisture meter if you're unsure if it's the right time. Too much root rot can cause them to die, so be careful not to overwater or underwater regardless of the climate or season you have in your area.

Why is watering my Common hawthorn important?

Watering the Common hawthorn helps transport the needed nutrients from the soil to the rest of the plant. The moisture will keep this species healthy if you know how much water to give. The watering requirements will depend on the weather in your area and the plant's soil.

The Common hawthorn thrives on moist soil, but they can't generally tolerate waterlogging. Ensure to provide enough mulch when planted on the ground and never fall into the trap of watering too little. They enjoy a full can of watering where the water should be moist at the base when they are planted in a pot to get the best blooms.

If they are grown as foliage, you need to water them up to a depth of 10 to 20 inches so they will continue to grow. If it's raining, refrain from watering and let them get the nutrients they need from the rainwater.

Do I need to prune my Common hawthorn?

Unkempt, wild Common hawthorn have a hard time bearing fruit, and for good reason. When Common hawthorn isn’t pruned, they have issues ranging from sunlight, weight distribution, and even fungi and other pests. Pruning does a lot to help remedy these issues, as well as to provide for the aesthetic appeal of the trees themselves. Pruning is also a basic necessity surrounding the general growth of Common hawthorn. If Common hawthorn get too large, they begin to fall apart fairly quickly. Losing branches to weight distribution issues can be fatal for Common hawthorn, especially those in drier climates. Pruning helps to reaffirm the crown’s structure and provide support to key branches.

When should I prune my Common hawthorn?

Common hawthorn should be pruned in the late winter, when there are no signs of any new growth yet. During this time, Common hawthorn is dormant, and therefore can sustain itself better without extra growth to maintain. During this time, you can cut away the branches that are most cumbersome. During the summer months, when new growth shoots are sprouting up every which way, lots of the green shoots will need to be trimmed. While some of them may prove to be useful, most of the weak and thin branches that come out before fruiting season will need to be cut away in order to produce better fruit on established branches.

How can I prune my Common hawthorn?

In order to properly prune the Common hawthorn, you need a basic set of tools and skills. Fortunately, most of the Common hawthorn are pruned more or less the same; for this reason, getting the hang of Common hawthorn pruning is fairly easy and time-efficient. It boils down to timing, selection, and methodology. Tools Before you start cutting away at your Common hawthorn, first determine which kind of tools you’re working with. Most of the Common hawthorn can be pruned with hand shears or loppers, but some may require a pole saw (for extra tall or hard-to-reach areas). Don’t neglect the open wounds where you prune, either; larger cuts should be covered with honey or pine sap to help deter common Common hawthorn diseases and pests. How to Prune To prune the Common hawthorn, you’ll need your shears to be clean and sharp. Disinfect them with either warm, soapy water or a disinfectant like rubbing alcohol to remove any possible pathogens that may be hitching a ride on the surface of your shears. This is the first and easiest step to prevent plant infections from spreading. Then, you can start to cut away branches. First, trim away any obviously dead, dying or diseased branches. After that, trim off those grows upward towards the top of the crown or downward towards the ground. These branches will grow to become a nuisance, and restrict both airflow and sunlight to the inner branches where fruit will suffocate. Remove any suckers that grow from the base of the trunk, as well. Try to leave larger branches and remove smaller ones that cross over or intercept larger branches in any way. Instead of shortening branches, remove entire branches from their bases so that they won’t continue to grow in the way. Use pine sap or honey to close off wounds where branches have been cut to help the tree heal faster.

What should I do after pruning my Common hawthorn?

Check the tree to be sure that you have pruned away any branches that might grow into an issue in the future. Snip away any excess stragglers that you may have missed, then be sure to remove all of the fallen debris from the tree’s area to prevent undergrowth from taking over. It’s a good idea to use gloves, as Common hawthorn bark can be rough in places.

How can I train my Common hawthorn seedling?

To train the Common hawthorn from a seedling size into a mature tree, you’ll need to plan out which branches to keep and which to lose in order to maintain a good balance of branches that stem up and out at an angle of at least 45 degrees. Trim away any branches that grow vertically in any direction as the seedling grows. Branches that grow horizontally will produce more fruits, while those that grow vertically will not carry much fruit and will impede the growth of important branches. Over time, the branches you choose in the beginning will grow up to become key branches that support most of the tree’s fruiting and further branching efforts! Also to note is that some of the Common hawthorn may split down the road if they’re not properly trained as seedlings. If there is a “Y” division early on, it’s best to choose the thicker side of the split to keep, then cut away the thinner side of the split back to the base.

How much/long should Common hawthorn get sunlight per day for healthy growth?

For healthy growth, make sure that Common hawthorn receives at least 3–6 hours of sun each day. This is actually a minimum requirement—most plants that can handle part sun can also thrive in full sun, but because they require less light for photosynthesis, they are more flexible than plants that require full sun or part shade.

What type of sunlight does Common hawthorn need?

Common hawthorn does best with exposure to full or part sun. They will perform best with direct morning light, but in summer they need protection from the strong afternoon sun. In temperate environments, too much hot afternoon sun can burn the leaves, damaging the plant's appearance and health.

Can sunlight damage Common hawthorn? How to protect Common hawthorn from the sun and heat damage?

Common hawthorn planted indoors can easily be damaged by direct sunlight when it's moved outdoors. The best way to prevent sunburns from overexposure is to move pots gradually from a shaded area to a brighter spot, gradually. But even plants that are acclimated to the summer sun can be damaged by extreme heat. In a heatwave, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist so that plants can cope with excessive levels of heat. Moving plants in containers to areas with afternoon shade or erecting a shade cloth over them can protect sensitive Common hawthorn during extreme weather events.

Does Common hawthorn need to avoid sun exposure? / Should I protect Common hawthorn from the sun?

While bright morning sun and some full sun exposure can be highly beneficial for Common hawthorn, the harsh, hot midday sun of summer can be too much to handle.

If planted in the ground, the summer sun will usually ramp up slowly enough through the season for Common hawthorn to gradually adapt to its intensity. But a potted plant that has been indoors or in a protected location will often suffer injury when placed suddenly into a location where the direct summer sun reaches it in the hottest part of the day.

To protect this plant from the brutal afternoon summer sun, plant or place it in an understory location where it is shaded at midday by taller trees and plants or by a building or landscape feature.

What will happen if Common hawthorn gets inadequate sunlight?

When Common hawthorn receives too little sun, they may become pale green or display drooping, yellow leaves. While some leaf drop is normal, if leaves are dropping but no new ones are growing in to replace them, it is a sign that something is wrong. If Common hawthorn receiving inadequate light does manage to grow, the new growth is often spindly, pale, and prone to insect infestation. Paying attention to these signs and changing the lighting conditions of the plant will make a significant difference.

Does Common hawthorn need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

Tender, new leaves are especially sensitive to sunburn. Bearing this in mind, very young Common hawthorn and when it's in a strong growth phase, such as in late spring and early summer, will be more sensitive to harsh sun and heat than the mature one or those in a more dormant fall growth stage. Common hawthorn fresh from a nursery is also usually not prepared for strong full sunlight and must be introduced to it slowly.

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Common hawthorn?

Recently transplanted Common hawthorn will often experience a bit of shock and will need to be cared for carefully, either shaded from bright afternoon sun or placed in a protected area. On very hot days, you may see the leaves of Common hawthorn drooping—this is usually nothing to worry about. Plants will send the water in their leaves down into their roots to protect them from burning. However, if the leaves are still drooping in the evening or the next morning, the plant needs water. Always avoid watering during the hottest times of day, as sunlight can hit wet leaves and scorch them easily.

Common hawthorn that has been underwatered will be weaker than that with consistently moist soil. This can leave it with weak roots that are unable to protect the leaves on hot, sunny summer days by diverting water away from the leaves. Care for an underwatered plant by giving it a long, deep watering and then allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out before the next watering. Even if it loses its leaves, if cared for properly it will grow new ones.

What is the optimal temperature for Common hawthorn?

As a cool-weather plant, Common hawthorn has a specific temperature range you can keep it in to thrive. For Common hawthorn to grow as well as possible, you can keep them between 65-75℉(18-25℃). Common hawthorn can handle temperatures outside of this range, but whenever possible, try to keep the area you grow them in within several degrees of these temperature limits.

As for the upper and lower limits of what Common hawthorn can withstand, that would fall between 75-85℉(25-30℃) on the higher end and 5℉(-15℃) on the lower end. As Common hawthorn prefers cooler temperatures, the higher temperature range is more important to avoid. Going into the higher end temperatures can restrict growth, and having Common hawthorn above 85℉(30℃) for long periods of time can result in damage and eventually death.

Does Common hawthorn require different temperatures for different growing phases?

For each growing phase of Common hawthorn, temperatures should be kept within the optimal range of 65-75℉(18-25℃). Common hawthorn can tolerate lower temperatures better than high ones, so it won’t particularly hinder growth if your growing area gets as cold as 5℉(-15℃). Below that, however, can start to slow down Common hawthorn growth, so if you continue to grow your plants into winter, make sure to keep the room above that temperature.

Three tips for keeping Common hawthorn temperature under control

Tip #1: Watch for the Signs of Heat Damage

If Common hawthorn overheats, there may be warning signs before it begins to die off. First, the leaves may begin to brown, then branches could begin to fall off. This is because the branches themselves are dying as the tree pulls moisture back towards its center of mass. Make sure to keep temperatures lower, and water your Common hawthorn more frequently if they are exposed to heat.

Tip #2: Don’t Let Common hawthorn Get Too Cold

While Common hawthorn does prefer cooler environments, letting the temperatures drop too fast can begin to cause freeze damage. If your growing area dips fast below 5℉(-15℃), the water in your Common hawthorn can begin to freeze. This causes the cell walls to burst and the bark to crack. This could slow growth significantly, and if temperatures don’t increase, may begin to cause parts of Common hawthorn to die.

Tip #3: Use Shade and Ventilation to Help Keep Temperatures at the Right Level

If you find that Common hawthorn is starting to overheat, you can use a combination of shade and ventilation to help bring temperatures back down. If you don’t have access to an air conditioning unit or fans, shade and ventilation are a good cost effective way to bring temperatures back into the optimal range. Once temperatures are corrected, though, make sure to let your plants get sunlight. Common hawthorn needs a lot of sun to grow properly, so while shade could work in the short term for temperature correction, Common hawthorn should not be left in the shade for too long.

Does Common hawthorn need different temperatures for different seasons?

The only time you need to worry about different temperatures in different seasons is if you intend to grow Common hawthorn outside. In that case, you’ll want to watch your outdoor thermometer during the prime growing seasons, spring and early summer. It's especially important that the temperatures do not exceed 85℉(30℃), as this can damage and eventually kill Common hawthorn.

If you do plant them inside to help maintain the best temperature, make sure that the space has ample sunlight. Common hawthorn needs a lot of sun to grow, preferring full sun to partial shade levels of sun exposure. Be careful that the level of sunlight doesn’t raise the temperature as well. Direct sunlight is important, but too much combined with high heat will begin to damage Common hawthorn.

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for Common hawthorn?

The best way to maintain the right temperature for Common hawthorn is to grow them within a climate-controlled environment. Because Common hawthorn prefers cooler conditions, you’ll want to make sure the room you choose has air conditioning or fans, as well as a way to monitor the temperature. Check the temperature once or twice a day, making sure that it is between 65-75℉(18-25℃). If it isn’t, adjust your climate control settings to make sure that the temperatures sit within that range.

If you intend to grow Common hawthorn outdoors, you’ll want to do it in the spring and early summer. It can be much harder to maintain that optimal temperature range outside, so if you want to facilitate maximum growth for Common hawthorn, it's usually best to have them outdoors.

Why do I need to fertilize my Common hawthorn?

The growth of plants continues to deplete the soil of nutrients, especially those of the fast growing types. So regular fertilization to give Common hawthorn some extra supply of nutrients will not only help it stay healthy, but will also allow it to grow more and more delicious fruit. Plants may face many problems if they have not been fertilized for a long time. Nutrient deficiency can cause foliage issues, most commonly yellow leaves. Leaves may also develop a reddish color, shape deformities, withered tips, or dieback across large portions of the plant. Some types of nutrient deficiency can cause bark disorders, slow growth, poor shoot development, and a lack of fruit production.

When is the best time to fertilize my Common hawthorn?

The best time to fertilize is in the early spring, before the buds emerge. As Common hawthorn energes from winter dormancy, it uses the reserves that were stored up over the winter to put out new growth. Lots of energy will be needed to support the development of blooms, so fertilizing about 2 to 4 weeks before you expect it to bloom provides enough time for the nutrients to soak into the soil and then be absorbed and dispersed throughout the plant.

You can continue to feed Common hawthorn during the spring, but it is best not to fertilize in the autumn because this can cause too much foliage to develop late in the season. That makes the leaves susceptible to damage in winter.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Common hawthorn?

Avoid fertilizing Common hawthorn at all in the first year of growth, and be cautious about providing fertilizer if it is not necessary. You also should not fertilize if you pruned 20% of the plant or more the previous year. Hold off on fertilizing plants that are diseased or damaged, as this can do more harm than good. Remember that fertilizer is not medicine, and instead get to the root cause of the issue before you think about feeding the plant again.

Do not fertilize after the peak of summer, which can cause too much growth just before winter. Also, Common hawthorn should not be fertilized during hot and dry times of year, since dry soil does not deliver fertilizer as effectively as moist soil. Fertilizing at this time can also stimulate growth which in turn needs more water that may not be available. It is best to keep fertilizer for earlier in the season when temperatures are cooler.

Finally, remember that Common hawthorn can absorb fertilizer that has been applied to nearby plants or lawns, so be cautious about inadvertently giving plants a double-dose of fertilizer.

What type of fertilizer does my Common hawthorn need?

Usually the use of some fertilizer with balanced nutrition (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) can bring many benefits. The main nutrients that plants need are nitrogen for leaf growth and chlorophyll. Phosphorus supports the root system as well as to produce blossoms, fruits, and seeds. Potassium develops the systems used for photosynthesis and transporting water and nutrients throughout the plant.You may choose to use a commercial fertilizer specialized for a certain type of tree, or you can use organic nitrogen sources such as manure, feather meal, or blood meal.

Conducting a soil test can help you get a good idea of the condition of your soil and apply fertilizer more precisely. For commercial fertilizers, you could use a balanced granular fertilizer with an NPK of 10-10-10 or similar if your soil does not have sufficient phosphorus and potassium according to your soil test. In most cases the nitrogen in the soil is continuously lost with rainfall. If your soil has sufficient levels of phosphorus and potassium, a high-nitrogen fertilizer with a ratio of 6-2-1 or 10-2-2 would be more suitable.

How do I fertilize my Common hawthorn?

Always follow directions for the specific type of fertilizer and do research on how to use it for the Common hawthorn you are growing. It is important not to over-fertilize your Common hawthorn, so determining the correct amount to use is crucial, especially for fruit trees. The usual rule of thumb is to use the age of the tree (if known) or the diameter of the trunk to understand how much fertilizer should be used. Estimate a one-tenth of a pound of fertilizer per year or per inch of trunk, with a maximum of one pound. Note that a Common hawthorn should not be fertilized for the first few years.

Granular fertilizers and organic fertilizers such as blood meal are applied by sprinkling the substance around the base of the tree all the way to the drip line (the space below the farthest-reaching branches) but do not let fertilizer come in contact with the trunk. Over time, the granules break down and filter into the soil to be absorbed into the roots. After fertilizing, spread an inch-deep layer of compost around the base of the tree and water thoroughly.

What happens if I fertilize my Common hawthorn too much?

It is far better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize, since you can always add more but you cannot easily take away excess fertilizer. Over-fertilizing your Common hawthorn may cause brown leaf tips and edges, yellowing, wilting leaves, and possibly a visible crust of fertilizer salts on the surface of the soil around the plant. This condition is called fertilizer burn and results from too many accumulated salts in the plant’s cells. If excess nitrogen is the issue, the Common hawthorn will produce a lot of leaves but won’t grow much fruit since nitrogen supports foliage growth.

If you have overfertilized, you could try removing the top layer of soil under the Common hawthorn to remove the most concentrated area of fertilizer. Then flush the area by watering heavily to try to get rid of fertilizer around the roots.

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Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Common hawthorn based on 10 million real cases

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.

Leaf beetles

Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.

Solutions: For less serious cases: Remove beetles, nymphs, and eggs. Remove all life stages of the beetles and kill them by placing them in a bucket of warm, soapy water. This can be done more easily by placing the bucket under affected leaves and shaking the plant. This method is most effective in the afternoon when leaf beetles are more active. Always dispose of insects in a sealed bag or container to avoid escape and spread. To treat more serious infestations: Apply organic insecticides. Use naturally-derived insecticides before moving on to synthetic insecticides. Neem oil and pyrethrum are naturally-derived insecticides that should be applied following label instructions. Apply synthetic insecticides. Examples of insecticides effective for leaf beetles include carbaryl, permethrin, and bifenthrin. Apply insecticides according to label instructions.

Longhorn beetles

The longhorn beetle is a medium- to large-sized insect with very long antennae and strong jaws. Both its adult and larval stages gnaw on tree trunks, leaving small, round holes.

Solutions: Some longhorn beetles species are native insects, and they cause little damage. Therefore, these don't warrant control. Other longhorn beetles species are invasive pests that were recently introduced from other areas. These species can cause a great deal of damage to hardwood trees. Apply an insecticide containing imidacloprid as a soil injection or trunk injection following product instructions. This will enter into new grow and kill adults who feed on foliage. This will not help save trees that are already infested with large amounts of larvae, but it will save trees located near an infested tree. Contact an arborist for best control practices regarding infected trees. To properly control longhorn beetles, all host plants in a given area must be treated. Contact a local extension agent or state agency. Tracking the spread of longhorn beetles is a key component of their control.

Gall

Insects or diseases can cause strange protrusions on the leaves, sometimes manifesting in a range of colors and shapes.

Solutions: While galls may look alarming, the physical structures themselves pose little threat to the plant or tree and do not require chemical treatment. If the galls are unsightly, they can be removed using sterilized (10% bleach solution) pruners or loppers. Discard or destroy all removed plant parts. It is important to treat the underlying cause, as insects or diseases can create long-term damage if left untreated. After identifying the pest, natural or chemical may be used, depending upon individual gardening preferences. To treat pests naturally apply an insecticidal soap. Dilute 1 tablespoon of soap per quart of water in a spray bottle and mix gently. Spray the entire plant until the leaves are dripping, making sure to coat the underside and tops. Re-spray every 2 to 3 days. To treat organically apply neem oil, a naturally occurring pesticide, per label directions every 7 days until pests are eradicated. To treat chemically apply an insecticidal foliar spray. Follow the dosing instructions provided by the manufacturer on the product label. For fungal or bacterial causes, apply a bactericide or copper-based fungicide in the spring, following the dosing instructions provided on the product label.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Woods, Hedges, Thickets

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Tree

Flower Color

White

Cream

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Name story

Common hawthorn

Hawthorn originated from the Anglo-Saxon language, hagaþorn in which haga meaning fence or hedge while þorn meaning thorn. The fruit of this plant looks very much like an apple and the branches are featured with pricks. Also, it is the most common genus plant. So, it is called common hawthorn.

Symbolism

Fertility, Chastity, Fishing Magic, Love

Usages

Garden Use

Common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a classic hedging shrub/tree grown for its dense foliage, white flowers, and attractive red berries. This tree is a good choice for informal and cottage gardens and it makes a great companion to American aspen, chokeberry, and serviceberry.

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Family

Rose

Genus

Hawthorns

Species

Common hawthorn

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Trim the dead, diseased, overgrown branches in winter.

Most Common Tree

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Common hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna

Also known as: Maythorn, Whitethorn, Oneseed hawthorn, Quickthorn, Motherdie

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Fall, Early winter

Planting Time

Care Guide for Common hawthorn

Water

Fertilization

Pruning

Soil

Sand, Loam, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

Potting Suggestions

Needs excellent drainage in pots.

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Questions About Common hawthorn

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What's the best method to water my Common hawthorn?

What should I do if I water Common hawthorn too much/too little?

How often should I water my Common hawthorn?

How much water do I need to give my Common hawthorn?

Should I adjust the watering frequency for my Common hawthorn according to different seasons or climates?

What should I be careful with when I water my Common hawthorn in different seasons, climates, or during different growing periods?

The age of the plants matter. Lack of water is one of the most common reasons the newly planted ones fail to grow. After they are established, you need to ease off the watering schedule.

Why is watering my Common hawthorn important?

Do I need to prune my Common hawthorn?

When should I prune my Common hawthorn?

How can I prune my Common hawthorn?

What should I do after pruning my Common hawthorn?

How can I train my Common hawthorn seedling?

How much/long should Common hawthorn get sunlight per day for healthy growth?

What type of sunlight does Common hawthorn need?

Can sunlight damage Common hawthorn? How to protect Common hawthorn from the sun and heat damage?

Does Common hawthorn need to avoid sun exposure? / Should I protect Common hawthorn from the sun?

What will happen if Common hawthorn gets inadequate sunlight?

Does Common hawthorn need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Common hawthorn?

What is the optimal temperature for Common hawthorn?

Does Common hawthorn require different temperatures for different growing phases?

Three tips for keeping Common hawthorn temperature under control

Does Common hawthorn need different temperatures for different seasons?

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for Common hawthorn?

Why do I need to fertilize my Common hawthorn?

When is the best time to fertilize my Common hawthorn?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Common hawthorn?

What type of fertilizer does my Common hawthorn need?

How do I fertilize my Common hawthorn?

What happens if I fertilize my Common hawthorn too much?

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Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Common hawthorn based on 10 million real cases

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

Learn More

Leaf beetles

Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.

Learn More

Longhorn beetles

The longhorn beetle is a medium- to large-sized insect with very long antennae and strong jaws. Both its adult and larval stages gnaw on tree trunks, leaving small, round holes.

Learn More

Gall

Insects or diseases can cause strange protrusions on the leaves, sometimes manifesting in a range of colors and shapes.

Learn More

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Woods, Hedges, Thickets

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Tree

Flower Color

White

Cream

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Name story

Common hawthorn

Symbolism

Fertility, Chastity, Fishing Magic, Love

Usages

Garden Use

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Hawthorns

Species

Common hawthorn

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Download the App

Related Plants

Best Rosaceae Flowering Trees That Blooming in Spring

Most Common Tree