Crataegus laevigata
Record ID:64Naming |
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|---|---|
| Botanical Name: | Crataegus laevigata |
| Common Names: | English Hawthorn, Woodland Hawthorn, May Blossom |
| Key Name: | Midland Hawthorn |
| Parts Used: | Berries, flowers, leaves |
| Sister Plants: | Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus pinnatifida, Crataegus oxyacantha |
| Comments: | Thorny shrub with strong pollinator attraction; used globally in herbal traditions |
Characteristics |
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| Identifying Character: | Large shrub or small tree (15-25 ft), thorny branches, lobed leaves with 3-5 lobes, white to pink flowers, red berries |
| Stem: | Thorny, grey-brown, with sharp spines |
| Leaves: | Lobed, 1-2 inches, with 3-5 lobes, glossy green turning red in fall |
| Flowers: | White to pink, 5-petaled flowers in clusters, blooming May-June |
| Fruit: | Red berries (haws), 0.5-1 cm, ripening September-October |
| Taste: | Tart (berries), slightly bitter (leaves) |
| Odour: | Sweet floral scent from flowers |
| Root: | Shallow, spreading root system; prevents erosion |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.KZjyKMkHocHyn6obbLFraQHaHa%26r%3D0%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=f108348d737dedd7f5d4ae32ae7a4870cfbb12ad7cc8ac5880fa8eb22c8f8745&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| Distribution: | Europe, Western Asia, naturalized in North America |
| Cultivation: | Prefers well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade; propagate by seed or cuttings |
| Harvest: | Flowers: Late spring; Berries: Fall |
Medical |
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| Therapeutic Action: | Cardiotonic, astringent, hypotensive, antioxidant |
| Medical Uses: | Used for heart conditions (e.g., angina, mild heart failure), high blood pressure, anxiety, and as an antioxidant; berries for circulatory health |
| Constituents: | Flavonoids, procyanidins, vitexin, vitamin C |
| Solvents: | Water, alcohol (tincture), glycerin |
| Dosage: | Berry tincture: 10-20 drops in water 2-3 times daily; Tea: 1 tsp dried flowers in hot water |
| Administration: | Internal: Tincture or infusion; External: Poultice for sores |
| Formulas: | Combine with motherwort for heart support; with hawthorn berries for synergy |
| Contra Indications: | May interact with heart medications; avoid in pregnancy; consult healthcare provider |
| Preparation: | Tincture: Steep 1 part berries in 5 parts alcohol for 2-4 weeks; Infusion: Steep 1 tsp flowers in hot water for 10 minutes |
| Chinese: | No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Veterinary: | Used for heart support or wound healing in livestock |
| Homeopathic: | No known homeopathic use documented |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| Apis: | No |
| Pollinator: | 1 |
| Pollen: | Yes |
| Pollen Notes: | Wind-dispersed, visited by bees for pollen |
| Nectar: | Yes |
| Nectar Notes: | Attracts bees for nectar, supports pollinator health |
Other |
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| Non-Medical Uses: | Wood for tool handles, hedging, wildlife habitat |
| Culinary Uses: | Berries eaten raw or in jams; flowers in teas |
| History: | Used in European herbal medicine for heart health since medieval times |
| Reference: | Plants For A Future; European Herbal Traditions |
| URL: | https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Crataegus+laevigata |
| Share: | Private |