Holmes' hawthorn

Crataegus holmesiana

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Basic Information

Family: Rosaceae

Genus: crataegus

Plant ID (slug): crataegus-holmesiana

Numeric ID: 23078

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Crataegus holmesiana is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 8 m (26ft). 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 from August to 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

Eastern N. America - Ontario to Maine, south to New York and Pennsylvania.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. An excellent dessert fruit, it has an acid yet sweet flavour, is juicy but with a mealy texture, it makes very pleasant eating[K]. Some forms have fruits with a disagreeable flavour[82]. The fruit can also be used in making pies, preserves etc, and can be dried for later use. The fruit is about 10mm in diameter[200]. A specimen at Cambridge Botanical garden has fruits up to 20mm in diameter[K]. 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].

Medicinal Uses

Cardiac Hypotensive Although no 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].