Crataegus dilatata

Sarg.

Broadleaf Hawthorn, Apple-leaf hawthorn

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit 126 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Crataegus dilatata is a species of hawthorn known by the common names broadleaf hawthorn and apple-leaf hawthorn. Crataegus dilatata is native from New York to New England, and the southernmost parts of Ontario and Quebec. They grow to a height of 20 feet (6.1 m). The leaves are 2 to 2.5 inches (51 to 64 mm) long, broadly ovate, short pointed at the tip, notched or rounded at the base, coarsely doubly saw-toothed and usually with several shallow lobes. The Latin name means "dilated" or "spread out" which describes the broad leaves.

Description

A shrub or small tree. It has a straight trunk. The trunk is 10 cm across. The plant grows 6 m tall. The bark is grey-brown and scaly. The crown is rounded and branches are spreading. The leaves are 5-6 cm long and almost as wide. They are broadly oval and with a short point at the tip. They are notched or rounded at the base. There are usually several shallow lobes and double teeth. The leaves are hairy when young but become dark green and hairless above. They are paler underneath. The flowers are 2.5 cm wide. They have 5 white petals. There are 20 red stamens. Groups of 8-10 flowers occur in long hairy stalks. The fruit are 19 mm wide. They are bright red with dark dots. There are 5 seeds inside. They occur in drooping clusters.

Edible Uses

The fruit is sweet and can be eaten raw or cooked in pies, preserves, and similar preparations, and dries well for later use. It reaches up to 20mm in diameter. Up to five fairly large seeds sit in the centre of each fruit and often stick together, giving the impression of a cherry-like fruit with a single stone.

Medicinal Uses

Although no specific research has been recorded for this species, the fruits and flowers of hawthorns broadly are well established in herbal folk medicine as a heart tonic, a use backed by modern research. Both parts produce a hypotensive effect and act as a gentle, direct cardiotonic, making them especially suited to treating weak heart combined with high blood pressure. Prolonged use is needed for the treatment to be effective, and it is generally taken as a tea or tincture.

Distribution

Temperate. It grows on the edges of salt marshes and near streams.

Where It Grows

Canada, North America, USA,

Cultivation

A very easily grown plant, it prefers a well-drained moisture retentive loamy soil but is not at all fussy. Once established, it succeeds in excessively moist soils and also tolerates drought. It grows well on a chalk soil and also in heavy clay soils. A position in full sun is best when plants are being grown for their fruit, they also succeed in semi-shade though fruit yields and quality will be lower in such a position. Most members of this genus succeed in exposed positions, they also tolerate atmospheric pollution. Closely related to C. coccinoides, and seen as no more than a form of that species by some botanists. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Seedling trees take from 5 - 8 years before they start bearing fruit, though grafted trees will often flower heavily in their third year. The flowers have a foetid smell somewhat like decaying fish. This attracts midges which are the main means of fertilization. When freshly open, the flowers have more pleasant scent with balsamic undertones. Seedlings should not be left in a seedbed for more than 2 years without being transplanted.

Propagation

Sow seed as soon as it is ripe in autumn in a cold frame; some will germinate the following spring, though most will likely take a further year. Stored seed is slow and erratic — warm stratify for 3 months at 15°C, then cold stratify for 3 months at 4°C, and germination may still take another 18 months. Scarifying before stratification may help, as may fermenting the seed in its own pulp for a few days. Another option is to harvest seed green — once the embryo is fully developed but before the seedcoat hardens — and sow immediately in a cold frame for possible spring germination. For small quantities, pot seedlings individually once large enough to handle, grow on for a year, then plant out in late spring to nursery beds or final positions. For larger quantities, sow direct into an outdoor seedbed with protection from mice and other seed-eaters, and undercut roots if plants will remain in the seedbed for more than two years.

Other Uses

The wood is heavy, hard, tough, and close-grained, making it suitable for tool handles, mallets, and other small items.

Notes

There are 200 or more Crataegus species.

Synonyms

C. coccinoides dilatata.

References (2)

Little, E.L., 1980, National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees. Alfred A. Knopf. p 470
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/