Crataegus macrosperma

Crataegus macrosperma, the bigfruit hawthorn is a species of hawthorn native to most of the eastern United States and adjacent Canada, though uncommon at lower altitudes in the south. It is sometimes misidentified as C. flabellata. It is one of the earliest hawthorns to bloom in spring.

Description

Crataegus macrosperma is a deciduous tree reaching 8 m in height and spread, not frost tender. Hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by midges. Flowers in May; seeds ripen in September. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils. Grows in semi-shade or full sun. Prefers moist or wet soil but tolerates drought. Withstands strong winds and atmospheric pollution, though not maritime exposure.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and makes a very acceptable dessert fruit with a reasonable flavour. Size and quality vary considerably — some forms have a thin, yellow, juicy and acid flesh while others are thicker, rather mealy, but with a good flavour. The fruit is typically around 15mm in diameter, though it can reach up to 20mm. It is also suitable for pies, preserves, and similar uses, and can be dried for later use. Up to five fairly large seeds in the centre tend to stick together, giving the impression of eating 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 in general are well established in herbal folk medicine as a heart tonic — a reputation supported by modern research. Both parts exert a hypotensive effect and act as a gentle, direct cardiac tonic, making them particularly useful for treating a weak heart accompanied by high blood pressure. Treatment must be continued over a prolonged period to be effective, and is typically taken as a tea or tincture.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

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. This is a very variable species, more than 50 different names have been given to it. It varies quite considerably in the size and quality of its fruit. It is very closely related to, and possibly no more than a part of C. flabellata. 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 fresh in autumn in a cold frame; some will germinate the following spring, though most are likely to take a further year. Stored seed germinates slowly and erratically — warm stratify for 3 months at 15°C, then cold stratify for 3 months at 4°C, and even then germination may take another 18 months. Scarifying before stratification may shorten this period, and fermenting the seed briefly in its own pulp can also help. Alternatively, 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 batches, pot seedlings individually as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on for the first year before planting out in late spring. For larger quantities, sow direct into a protected outdoor seedbed and undercut the roots if plants are to remain in situ for more than two years.

Other Uses

The wood is heavy, hard, tough, and close-grained, making it well suited to small turned or carved items such as tool handles and mallets. The plant is also noted for its scent.

Notes

There are 200 or more Crataegus species.

References (4)

• J. Elisha Mitchell Sci. Soc. 16:73. 1900
• Fisk, J. R. & Hoover, E., 2015, Wild Fruits of Minnesota. A Field Guide. University of Minnesota p 23
• Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
• Toupal, R. S. & Hollenback, K., 2009, An Ethnobotany of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore: Plant Uses of the Ojibwa People. Bureau of Applied Research in Anthropology. University of Arizona

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