Chinese Haw

Crataegus pinnatifida

Physical Characteristics

Crataegus pinnatifida is a deciduous Tree growing to 7 m (23ft) by 7 m (23ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. 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

E. Asia - N. China, Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[105, 177]. A pleasant flavour[178]. The orange fruit has a mealy texture with an acid taste and a slight bitterness but is fairly nice raw[K]. It ripens fairly late, specimens seen at the end of October 1998 were not quite fully ripe[K]. The fruit can be used in making pies, preserves, etc, and can also be dried for later use. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter[200], though in some forms it can be 25mm in diameter[266]. A nutritional analysis is available[218]. 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

Alterative Antibacterial Anticholesterolemic Antidote Antiscorbutic Cardiotonic Deobstruent Hypotensive Laxative Stimulant Stomachic Vasodilator The fruit is antibacterial, anticholesterolemic, cardiotonic, hypotensive, stomachic, vasodilator. It contains several medically active constituents including flavonoids and organic acids[279]. It has been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels and to improve blood circulation[176, 238, 279]. It is used in Korea in the treatment of abdominal distension, pain, diarrhoea and to induce menstruation[279]. The dried fruit is alterative, antiscorbutic, deobstruent, laxative, stimulant and stomachic[218]. The fruits and flowers of 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]. The seed is recommended in the treatment of difficult labour, hernia and swollen genitals[218]. The leaves and twigs are used as an antidote to varnish poisoning (from certain Rhus spp)[218]. The root is used in the treatment of nausea and vomiting[218].

Known Hazards

None known