Crataegus punctata
Jacq.
Dotted hawthorn, Thicket hawthorn, Whitehaw
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Summary
Source: WikipediaCrataegus punctata is a species of hawthorn known by the common names dotted hawthorn or white haw that is native to most of the eastern United States and eastern Canada. While some sources claim it is the state flower of Missouri, the actual legislation does not identify an exact species. Furthermore, the Missouri Department of Conservation asserts the Crataegus mollis was specifically designated as the state flower.
Description
A small tree. It grows to 9 m high. It has a stout trunk. The crown has horizontal spreading branches. The leaves are broad and dark green. They are toothed or slightly lobed around the edge. They are downy underneath. The flowers are white. They are in clusters 10 cm wide. The fruit are pear shaped. They are dull red with pale dots.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked — straight from the hand or made into jellies and preserves. A good-sized fruit at around 25mm in diameter, borne in small clusters and ripening in October, it is notably apple-like in both texture and appearance, making it a worthwhile dessert fruit. Up to five fairly large seeds occupy the centre, often fusing together so the fruit is eaten like a cherry with a single stone.
Medicinal Uses
A compound decoction of the shoots and bark has been used to stop menstrual flow. As with other hawthorns, the fruits and flowers are well established in herbal folk medicine as a heart tonic — a use confirmed by modern research. They exert a hypotensive effect and act as a mild, direct cardiac tonic, especially indicated for weak heart combined with high blood pressure. Prolonged use is necessary for efficacy, and it is typically taken as a tea or tincture.
Distribution
Temperate. It suits hardiness zones 4-9.
Where It Grows
Australia, 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. 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. A very ornamental plant, it grows very well in Britain, flowering and fruiting abundantly. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value. 'Ohio Pioneer' is a thornless form growing about 8 metres tall.
Propagation
Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in autumn in a cold frame. Some seed will germinate the following spring, though most will likely take a further year. Stored seed can be very slow and erratic; it should be warm stratified for 3 months at 15°c, then cold stratified for 3 months at 4°c, and may still take another 18 months to germinate. Scarifying before stratification may help, as may fermenting the seed in its own pulp for a few days. 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 quantities, pot seedlings individually as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on for their first year before planting out in late spring. For larger quantities, sow directly in an outdoor seedbed with protection from mice and seed-eating animals, undercutting roots if plants will remain in the bed for more than two years.
Other Uses
The wood is heavy, hard, tough, and close-grained, making it well suited for tool handles, mallets, and other small wooden items. The plant is noted for its scent and is suited to food forest systems.
Notes
There are 200 or more Crataegus species.
References (9)
- Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 433
- Etherington, K., & Imwold, D., (Eds), 2001, Botanica's Trees & Shrubs. The illustrated A-Z of over 8500 trees and shrubs. Random House, Australia. p 240
- Farrar, J.L., 1995, Trees of the Northern United States and Canada. Iowa State University press/Ames p 391
- Fisk, J. R. & Hoover, E., 2015, Wild Fruits of Minnesota. A Field Guide. University of Minnesota p 23
- Hort. bot. vindob. 1:10, t. 28. 1770
Show all 9 references Hide references
- Little, E.L., 1980, National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees. Alfred A. Knopf. p 481
- 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
- Young, J., (Ed.), 2001, Botanica's Pocket Trees and Shrubs. Random House. p 292
