Dotted Hawthorn,

Crataegus punctata

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Basic Information

Family: Rosaceae

Genus: crataegus

Plant ID (slug): crataegus-punctata

Numeric ID: 2337

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Edible Rating: ★★★☆☆

Medicinal Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Other Uses Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Physical Characteristics

Crataegus punctata is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in 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

Eastern N. America - Quebec to Georgia, west to Minnesota and Oklahoma.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[159]. Eaten out of hand or made into jellies, preserves etc[177, 183]. A good size, about 25mm in diameter, and borne in small clusters[200]. Ripening in October, it is quite apple-like in texture and appearance, making a good dessert fruit[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

Cardiotonic Hypotensive Miscellany A compound decoction of the shoots and bark has been used to stop menstrual flow. 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. They are especially indicated in the treatment of weak heart combined with high blood pressure. Prolonged use is necessary for it to be efficacious. It is normally used either as a tea or a tincture.

Known Hazards

None known

Detailed Information

Additional Information

Title: Crataegus punctata Dotted Hawthorn, PFAF Plant Database

Meta Description: Crataegus punctata is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in 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.