Leaves are smaller than usual - Ask Extension
This year my parsley leaf Hawthorne has very small leaves. It was very late in putting out any leaves at all, and finally when they did come out the...
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Leaves are smaller than usual #870600
Asked May 29, 2024, 1:56 PM EDT
This year my parsley leaf Hawthorne has very small leaves. It was very late in putting out any leaves at all, and finally when they did come out they were less than half the normal size. The leaf color is good and the bark looks good. I see no insects. I have another tree that is older and it is doing fine. This one gets sun from about 9:00 -2:00. I am hoping you can tell me what is wrong and what I need to do.
Thank you.
Montgomery County Alabama
Expert Response
Good afternoon,
I'm not sure why the hawthorn would have leafed out late. Especially if you have a second tree that leafed as normal. I few thoughts I have are:
1. Does it get too much sun? Hawthorns are native to wooded areas and along streams. Maybe it would thrive better with more shade, or at least morning sun, afternoon shade.
2. When was the last time it was fertilized? A soil test will indicate any nutrients that are lacking and make recommendations accordingly.
3. Is it exposed more to the elements than the other tree? Or are there other environmental factors that affect this tree and not the other causing it to leaf out late.
4. Sometimes it just happens. We have two ornamental elm trees located next to our office. Same growing conditions. One leafed out later than the other. Why? I don't know.
In conclusion, consider if the tree is in the best location for it to grow well. Then, I would suggest doing a soil test. Water and fertilize.
Crataegus marshallii (Hawthorn, Parsley Hawthorn, Thornapple) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (ncsu.edu)
I'm not sure why the hawthorn would have leafed out late. Especially if you have a second tree that leafed as normal. I few thoughts I have are:
1. Does it get too much sun? Hawthorns are native to wooded areas and along streams. Maybe it would thrive better with more shade, or at least morning sun, afternoon shade.
2. When was the last time it was fertilized? A soil test will indicate any nutrients that are lacking and make recommendations accordingly.
3. Is it exposed more to the elements than the other tree? Or are there other environmental factors that affect this tree and not the other causing it to leaf out late.
4. Sometimes it just happens. We have two ornamental elm trees located next to our office. Same growing conditions. One leafed out later than the other. Why? I don't know.
In conclusion, consider if the tree is in the best location for it to grow well. Then, I would suggest doing a soil test. Water and fertilize.
Crataegus marshallii (Hawthorn, Parsley Hawthorn, Thornapple) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (ncsu.edu)
