Hawthorn

(Crataegus L.)

There are multiple Crataegus species that are native to North America and there are also just as many more more that have become naturalized non-native ornamental species. These individual species can be used interchangeably.

Other Names:
hawberry, may-tree, quickthorn, red haw, thornapple, whitehorn

Range:


Family:
Rosaceae - Rose Family

Growth Type:
Woody perennial tree

Height:
A midsize tree reaching 20-60 feet in height

Leaves:
Different species of the Crataegus genus have very differrent leaves. The margins (edges) of some are lobed, while others are serrated, and others are toothed. What most species share is the fact that the leaves are typically borne in spiral clusters on long shoots.

Stem/Trunk:
Young specimens of most species have smooth gray bark. As trees mature, the bark develops narrow ridges and fissures along the length of the truck. The common name hawthorn comes from the fact that the branches and twigs of most species produce sharp thorns.

Root:
Strong spreading root system

Flower Season:
The tree will typically flower in June

Flower Appearance:
Species within the rose family share the trait that their flowers have 5 sepals and 5 petals. One thing that separates their flowers from other plants with 5 petals and 5 sepals is that they will have a minimum of 5 stamens, but will typically have many more. These stamens will usually be in multiples of 5. The petals of the Crataegus flowers can be white, pink, red, or purple.

Seed/Fruit:
The fruit are small red pomes. These are also called "haw' which would account for the name "haw"thorn.

Miscellaneous characteristics:
N/A

Habitat:
Hawthorns grow best in full sunlight and well drained loamy soil. Species in the Crataegus genus are great in their ability to adapt and to thrive.

Parts Used:
Young leaves, flowers, fruit

Culinary Uses:
The fruit can be made into jam. It also makes a very nice wine. The young leaves can be eaten in salads. I am not however, a fan of the taste of the leaves.

Energetics
Taste: Sour/Sweet
Thermal: Cooling
Humidity: Neutral

Traditional Medicinal Uses:
For centuries Crataegus species have been used in traditional medicine. Most herbal preparations available today are most often made from C. monogyna. Due to the fact that most species possess the same traits, the species are often not differentiated between. I have seen hawthorn preparations that did not even list a species. While Crataegus species have been used for digestive support. However the plant truly shines when it comes to its support of the cardiovascular system. Nine different clinical trials conducted between 1990 and demonstrate significant benefits in the treatment of Congestive Heart Failure, also called CHF, over placebo, (Pittler et al., 2010). Hypertension, sympathetic-related tachycardia, episodic hypertension, early arteriosclerosis, myocardial weakness. Treatment of chronic congestive heart failure stage II, as defined by the New York Heart Association. Support of cardiac and circulatory functions. As an antispasmodic agent in the treatment of asthma, diarrhea, gall bladder disease and uterine contractions, and as a sedative for the treatment of insomnia.

Medicinal Actions:
Antiarteriosclerotic, Antihypertensive, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Cardiac, Diuretic, Sedative, Tonic: Cardiac, Vasodilator