Crataegus illinoiensis

Ashe

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit

gbif· cc0

President and Fellows of Harvard College

gbif· cc0

President and Fellows of Harvard College

Summary

A deciduous tree reaching 5m tall with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by midges. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acid to basic pH ranges. Grows in semi-shade or full sun, prefers moist or wet conditions but handles drought well. Withstands strong winds and atmospheric pollution but not maritime exposure.

Description

Edible Uses

The fruit is a reasonable size at about 15mm in diameter and makes very pleasant eating — sweet, fairly juicy, and good enough to eat in quantity for dessert. It can also be used in pies and preserves or dried for later use. 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 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 cardiotonic. 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

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. This species has a good potential as a fruiting crop in Britain. It usually bears heavily, is fairly free of pests and diseases, and once established needs very little attention apart from gathering the fruit. Closely related to C. succulenta and considered to be no more than part 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

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.