Crataegus holmesiana
Ashe
Holmes' Hawthorn
iNaturalist· cc0
no rights reserved, uploaded by Étienne Lacroix-Carignan
iNaturalist· cc0
no rights reserved, uploaded by Étienne Lacroix-Carignan
iNaturalist· cc0
no rights reserved, uploaded by Étienne Lacroix-Carignan
Summary
Source: WikipediaCrataegus holmesiana is a species of hawthorn. It is closely related to the scarlet hawthorn, but with more elongated fruit and leaves.
Description
Deciduous tree reaching 10 m tall by 8 m wide. Hermaphrodite flowers bloom in May with seeds ripening August to September, pollinated by midges. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils tolerating mildly acidic to very alkaline pH. Grows in semi-shade or full sun, prefers moist or wet soil but endures drought. Hardy to UK zone 5. Tolerates strong winds and atmospheric pollution but not coastal exposure.
Edible Uses
The fruit is an excellent dessert fruit, about 10mm in diameter, with an acid yet sweet flavour that is juicy but with a mealy texture — making it pleasant eating. Note that some forms produce fruit with a disagreeable flavour. A specimen at Cambridge Botanical Garden bears fruit up to 20mm in diameter. The fruit can also be used in pies and preserves or dried for later use. Up to five fairly large seeds occupy 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 mention has been found for this species, the fruits and flowers of many hawthorns are well established in herbal folk medicine as a heart tonic, a use supported by modern research. Both parts have a hypotensive effect and act as a direct, mild cardiac tonic. They are especially indicated for weak heart combined with high blood pressure. Prolonged use is necessary for the treatment to be effective, and it is normally taken as a tea or tincture.
Distribution
Temperate.
Where It Grows
Australia, 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. Hawthorns in general hybridize freely with other members of the 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. A very ornamental plant.
Propagation
Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in autumn in a cold frame; some will germinate the following spring, though most will likely take another year. Stored seed can be very slow and erratic — warm stratify for 3 months at 15°c, then cold stratify for 3 months at 4°c, and it may still take a further 18 months to germinate. Scarifying before stratification may reduce this time, and fermenting the seed for a few days in its own pulp may also speed germination. Alternatively, harvest seed green — as soon as 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 as soon as they are large enough to handle, grow on individually for their first year, then plant out in late spring into nursery beds or final positions. For larger quantities, sow directly into an outdoor seedbed with protection from mice and other seed-eaters, and undercut the roots if plants are to remain in the seedbed for more than two years.
Other Uses
The wood is heavy, hard, tough, and close-grained, making it useful for tool handles, mallets, and other small items.
Notes
There are 200 or more Crataegus species.
References (2)
- J. Elisha Mitchell Sci. Soc. 16:448. 1900
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
