Crataegus submollis

Crataegus submollis, known as the northern downy hawthorn, northern red haw, Quebec hawthorn, or hairy cockspurthorn, is a species of hawthorn that grows to about 7 m in height and typically carries large crops of red fruit. This species is closely related to C. mollis, but the two species have separate native ranges. Amongst other differences between these two species, C. mollis has approximately 20 stamens, whereas C. submollis has approximately 10 stamens per flower. Crataegus submollis is native to north-eastern North America, and has been introduced in Europe. The thorns are usually numerous and up to 7 cm in length.

Description

A large shrub or small tree. It can grow 9 m tall. The leaves divided into lobes along the stalk and the leaves are 25-80 mm long. The leaves have teeth along the edge and are felted underneath. The flowers are in loose clusters. They have 10 stamens. The fruit are small and light red and covered with down. The fruit are 2 cm across.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and is about 20mm in diameter, borne in large clusters that make harvesting easy. It is described as sub-acid, dry, and mealy, though it has also been found to be sweet and somewhat juicy with a thick flesh and pleasant flavour that makes it an acceptable dessert fruit. It can also be used in pies and preserves, or dried for later use. The centre holds up to five fairly large seeds that tend to stick together, giving the impression 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. It suits hardiness zones 4-9. It can grow in a range of soils and with various pH values. It can tolerate very wet soils as well as tolerate drought. Plants are cold hardy.

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. Plants are hardy to about -18°c. 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. This species is sometimes confused with C. coccinea. It is also very close to C. mollis, differing in having 10 stamens to a flower (as compared to 20 in C. mollis). It is considered to be part of C. mollis by some botanists.

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

Plants are very tolerant of trimming and will resprout even when cut back into very old wood, making them suitable for use as a hedge. The wood is heavy, hard, tough, and close-grained, useful for tool handles, mallets, and other small items. The plant is also noted for its scent.

Notes

There are 200 or more Crataegus species.

References (7)

• Beckstrom-Sternberg, Stephen M., and James A. Duke. "The Foodplant Database." http://probe.nalusda.gov:8300/cgi-bin/browse/foodplantdb.(ACEDB version 4.0 - data version July 1994)
• Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 296
• Bot. Gaz. 31:7. 1901
• Etherington, K., & Imwold, D., (Eds), 2001, Botanica's Trees & Shrubs. The illustrated A-Z of over 8500 trees and shrubs. Random House, Australia. p 241
• Fisk, J. R. & Hoover, E., 2015, Wild Fruits of Minnesota. A Field Guide. University of Minnesota p 23

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