Persimilis Hawthorn
crataegus persimilis
Also known as: ["Persimilis Thorn","Persimilis Crab Apple"]
Overview
A deciduous tree or large shrub in the rose family, known for its attractive white flowers and small red fruits.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Crataegus |
| Botanical Name: | Crataegus persimilis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various soil types
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates clay but prefers improved drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers/fruits.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors with supplemental grow lights if needed.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; prune lower branches to allow light penetration; avoid placing near heat sources that can scorch leaves.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; avoid compacting soil around roots; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates temperatures between -20°F and 90°F; prefers cool winters for dormancy.
Protect from late spring frosts; ensure good air circulation to prevent heat buildup; adjust watering based on temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid contact with roots to prevent burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or seed propagation in autumn.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; autumn for seeds after fruiting.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions (70–75°F) with indirect light for cuttings; cold stratification needed for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; rooting hormone recommended for cuttings.
Hormone
Recommended for cuttings to improve rooting success.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination can take several months with cold stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags for humidity.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to encourage branching, and removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, encourage airflow, and promote fruiting/flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape the plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, replace with fresh soil mix, ensure good drainage, water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; incorporate perlite or sand to improve drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; delayed bud break or dieback in insufficiently cold winters.
Cold Stress
Leaves may drop or turn yellow; buds may fail to open; growth may slow or stop in prolonged cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots; protect from harsh winds; avoid fertilizing in late fall to prevent new growth vulnerable to frost.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering or fruiting.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; mist foliage during extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage, use appropriate fertilizer, apply at recommended rate, water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSimilar to dogs, cats may experience mild toxicity if they ingest large quantities of the seeds of Crataegus persimilis due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Crataegus persimilis contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when metabolized. While the fruit itself is generally safe, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may lead to mild toxicity in dogs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicCrataegus persimilis, commonly known as the Persimmon Hawthorn, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Crataegus persimilis toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How difficult is it to care for?
A: It requires moderate care and maintenance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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