Fireberry Hawthorn, Red haw, Piper's hawthorn,

Crataegus chrysocarpa

Physical Characteristics

Crataegus chrysocarpa is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Midges. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

North-eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Pennsylvania, west to the Rocky Mountains.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Shoots Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[161, 177]. Used mainly as a famine food[257]. A very pleasant flavour when ripe, with the added bonus of ripening in late summer before most other members of the genus[K]. The fruit can be used in making pies, preserves, etc, and can also be dried for later use. It is about 1cm in diameter and borne in small clusters[200]. There are up to five fairly large seeds in the centre of the fruit, these often stick together and so the effect is of eating a cherry-like fruit with a single seed[K]. A tea can be made from the twigs[257]. (This probably means the young shoots with leaves[K].)

Medicinal Uses

Cardiotonic Hypotensive Laxative A decoction of the dried berries has been used as a mild laxative[257]. A compound decoction of the root has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea[257]. Although no other specific mention has been seen for this species, the fruits and flowers of many hawthorns are well-known in herbal folk medicine as a heart tonic and modern research has borne out this use. The fruits and flowers have a hypotensive effect as well as acting as a direct and mild heart tonic[222]. They are especially indicated in the treatment of weak heart combined with high blood pressure[222]. Prolonged use is necessary for it to be efficacious[222]. It is normally used either as a tea or a tincture[222].

Known Hazards

None known