Blue hawthorn

Crataegus schraderana

Basic Information

Family: Rosaceae

Genus: crataegus

Plant ID (slug): crataegus-schraderana

Numeric ID: 24303

USDA Hardiness: 5-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Crataegus schraderana is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower in June, 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

S. Europe - Greece.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[74]. A reasonable size, about 15 - 20mm in diameter[K]. This is one of the nicest tasting fruits of the genus I have tried to date. When fully ripe it is juicy with an extremely pleasant flavour and almost literally melts in the mouth[K]. I would far rather eat this fruit than a strawberry[K]. It ripens in late September and hangs on the tree in good condition for at least 4 weeks[K]. The ripe fruit is so soft that it is best eaten fresh from the tree[K]. The fruit can also be used in making pies, preserves etc, and can be dried for later use. 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

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].