Chinese Haw

Crataegus pinnatifida major

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Basic Information

Family: Rosaceae

Genus: crataegus

Plant ID (slug): crataegus-pinnatifida-major

Numeric ID: 23434

USDA Hardiness: 5-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Crataegus pinnatifida major is a deciduous Tree growing to 7.5 m (24ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May. 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 - China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[3, 105, 177]. A pleasant flavour, it is sold in local markets in China[178]. The fruit can be used in making pies, preserves, etc, and can also be dried for later use. A good size, it is up to 25mm in diameter[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].

Medicinal Uses

Anticholesterolemic Cardiotonic Hypotensive Stomachic Vasodilator 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 fruits are anticholesterolemic, cardiotonic, stomachic and vasodilator. Their use improves the blood circulation and lowers blood pressure[176]. The fruits are used in the treatment of dyspepsia, stagnation of fatty foods, abdominal fullness, retention of lochia, amenorrhoea, postpartum abdominal pain, hypertension and coronary heart disease[176].