Crataegus reverchonii

Crataegus reverchonii is a species of hawthorn known as Reverchon hawthorn, native to the Southwestern United States (Texas and Oklahoma).

Description

A shrub or small tree. It has many branches and forms thickets. The crown is rounded. It grows 7 m high. The trunk is 10 cm wide. The bark is grey to orange-brown. It is scaly. The leaves are 3-4 cm long and 2-2.5 cm wide. They are narrowly oval and rounded at the tip. There is a short point at the base. There are double teeth along the edge. The leaves are shiny and dark green above and dull and paler underneath. The flowers are 12 mm wide and have 5 white petals. The fruit are 10 mm across. They are shiny and dull red with dark red dots.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It is sweet, thick, and juicy, measuring 8–12mm in diameter. It is also well suited to pies, preserves, and drying for later use. Up to five fairly large seeds sit in the centre, often fusing together so the fruit is eaten like a cherry with a single stone.

Medicinal Uses

Though no specific research has been conducted on this species, the fruits and flowers of hawthorns are widely recognised in herbal folk medicine as a heart tonic — a use supported by modern research. Both parts exert a hypotensive effect and act as a gentle, direct cardiac tonic, making them particularly useful for weak heart combined with high blood pressure. Prolonged use is required for the treatment to be effective. It is typically prepared as a tea or tincture.

Distribution

Temperate. It grows in moist soils along streams and on rocky hillsides.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. 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. Closely related to Crataegus crus-galli, and possibly not distinct from that species. 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 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.

Notes

There are 200 or more Crataegus species.

References (2)

• 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/

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