Description
Latin Name: Crataegus arnoldiana
DESCRIPTION
Family: Rosaceae
Native Range: Native to eastern Canada.
Seed Source: Seed production orchard near Indian Head Saskatchewan.
Height and Spread: 5m x 4m (25 years)
Overview: Found in open coulees and bottomlands. Arnold Hawthorn is a hardy medium shrub excellent for agroforestry applications. 'Loggerhead' Arnold hawthorn is an improved seed strain developed for cold, dry climates. Named for the loggerhead shrike, a predatory bird that uses the thorns of hawthorn to impale its prey.
Fruits: Fruit is 1.5 cm in diameter, turning fleshy and bright red when mature in late August.
Average number of seeds/packet: 250
SEED TREATMENT / SOWING
Stratification: Stratify in moist sand (10 percent moisture) for 90 days at 20°C followed by 180 days at 5°C.
Ideal sowing time: Non-pretreated seed outdoors in July (will germinate the following spring) or stratified seed in spring.
Sowing instructions: Sow 1 cm deep,30 seeds/meter; Greenhouse - sow 3 seeds per cell.
Growing conditions: Loggerhead grows well on most soils except those that are excessively wet, or dry, or soils affected by high pH or salinity
AGROFORESTRY VALUE
Arnold hawthorn is used in farmstead and field shelterbelts, Eco-Buffers, and wildlife habitat plantings. The vigorous, dense growth makes it useful for shelterbelts and screening. The attractive form, foliage, and flowering is of ornamental value. Many song and game birds including the endangered loggerhead shrike utilize this tree for food and habitat.
