Crataegus rotundifolia

Moench

Fireberry Hawthorn

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit 2,908 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A deciduous tree reaching 6 m by 4 m with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by midges. Blooms in June with seeds ripening by September. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils including very alkaline types. Grows in semi-shade or full sun, prefers moist to wet conditions but withstands drought. Hardy to UK zone 5, tolerant of strong winds and atmospheric pollution but not maritime exposure.

Description

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, and is a fair size at up to 15mm in diameter. When fully ripe it has a reasonably sweet, mealy taste, though a distinct bitterness comes through if eaten before fully ripe. It makes an acceptable dessert fruit and works well in pies and preserves, and can also be dried for later use. The centre of each fruit holds up to five fairly large seeds that tend to stick together, giving the experience of eating a cherry-like fruit with a single stone.

Medicinal Uses

No specific research has been recorded for this species, but the fruits and flowers of hawthorns in general are well established in herbal folk medicine as a heart tonic — a use that modern research has supported. Both fruits and flowers have a hypotensive effect and act as a mild, direct heart tonic. They are particularly indicated for a weak heart combined with high blood pressure. Prolonged use is needed for the treatment to be effective. It is typically taken as a tea or tincture.

Distribution

Temperate.

Where It Grows

Europe, North America, Spain, 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 tree bearing this name at Kew in September 1993 was fruiting abundantly. There is some confusion over the correct name of this species. C. rotundifolia Moench. is said to be a synonym for C. chrysocarpa phoenicea, C. rotundifolia Borckh. is a synonym of C. chrysocarpa. There is also a C. rotundifolia Lam, which is a synonym of Amelanchier rotundifolia.

Propagation

Sow seed as soon as it is ripe in autumn in a cold frame. Some seed will germinate the following spring, but 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 even then germination may take a further 18 months. Scarifying before stratifying may reduce this time, and fermenting the seed for a few days in its own pulp may also help. Alternatively, harvest seed green (once the embryo is fully developed but before the seedcoat hardens) and sow immediately in a cold frame; if timed well, germination can occur in spring. For small quantities, pot seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on in individual pots for the first year, planting 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-eating animals, undercutting 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 wooden items. The plant is also noted for its scent.

Notes

There are 200 or more Crataegus species.

References (2)

Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Verz. ausland. Baume 29, t. 1. 1785 (non Lam. 1783)