Crataegus uniflora

Muenchh.

Dwarf Hawthorn, Pear haw, Blackthorn, Oneflower hawthorn

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit 1,049 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Crataegus uniflora is a species of hawthorn known by the common name one-flowered hawthorn, or dwarf hawthorn. It is native to parts of the southeastern United States. The plant is usually a small bush, but some forms can be a few meters tall. The flowers occur singly or in small clusters. It is a hermaphroditic species. The fruit are hairy and yellow to reddish in colour.

Description

A low shrub or a small tree in warmer places. It has a short stout trunk. The crown is rounded. The branches are crooked. The bark is grey-brown and smooth but becomes scaly near the base. It grows 60-150 cm high. It can be 5 m high. The trunk is 15 cm across. The leaves are 2-4 cm long by 1.2-3.2 cm wide. They are spoon shaped and broadest above the middle. There are coarse teeth and a wavy edge. The leaves are sometimes lobed. The veins are sunken. The leaves are dark shiny green and rough above and paler and hairy underneath. The flowers are 15 mm across and with 5 white petals and yellow stamens. The flowers usually occur singly. The fruit are 12 mm across. They are yellow to dull red.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It is typically borne singly or in groups of up to three, and measures around 10mm in diameter, though it can reach up to 16mm, with a firm flesh. 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 grows in dry sandy and rocky places. It the SE of USA it grows to 610 m altitude.

Where It Grows

Australia, 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. This species is often confused with C. tomentosa. L.. It hybridizes freely with other members of the 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

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 (6)

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)
Hausvater 5:147. 1770
Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 275
Kiple, K.F. & Ornelas, K.C., (eds), 2000, The Cambridge World History of Food. CUP p 1784
Little, E.L., 1980, National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees. Alfred A. Knopf. p 487

Show all 6 references