Crataegus intricata

Lange

Copenhagen Hawthorn, Fireberry Hawthorn, Biltmore Hawthorn, Thicket hawthorn, Allegheny hawthorn

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit 81 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Crataegus intricata is a species of hawthorn known by the common names Copenhagen hawthorn, Lange's thorn and thicket hawthorn. It is native to eastern Canada and the eastern United States. Its fruit are brown to red.

Description

A shrub or small tree. It has many branches and forms thickets. The crown is irregular and open. It grows 6 m high. The trunk is 15 cm across. The leaves are 2.5-6 cm long and 2.5-5 cm wide. They are broadly oval and blunt at the end. It has double teeth. They are green above and paler underneath. The flowers are 15 mm wide and have 5 white petals.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried for later use. Although described as having hard, dry flesh in some accounts, fruit sampled from this tree has been found to be mealy and fairly soft with a pleasant sweet flavour. It ripens in early September in southern Britain. The fruit is up to 14mm in diameter, borne in small clusters, and has a slightly hairy skin. 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 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. It grows in open areas and moist valleys.

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. 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.

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.

Synonyms

C. coccinea. pro parte

References (3)

Bot. Tidsskr. 19:264. 1895
Little, E.L., 1980, National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees. Alfred A. Knopf. p 474
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/