Variable hawthorn
Crataegus macrosperma
Synonyms: Crataegus chadsfordiana, Crataegus tenuifolia, Crataegus pastorum, Crataegus pentandra, Crataegus atropurpurea, Crataegus cyanophylla, Crataegus macrosperma var. roanensis, Crataegus macrosperma var. pentandra, Crataegus velata, Crataegus macrosperma var. acutiloba, Crataegus macrosperma var. pastorum, Crataegus macrosperma var. matura, Crataegus macrosperma var. eganii, Crataegus macrosperma var. demissa, Oxyacantha macrosperma, Crataegus iracunda var. brumalis, Crataegus otiosa, Crataegus roanensis, Crataegus benigna, Crataegus eganii, Crataegus sextilis, Crataegus demissa, Crataegus brumalis, Crataegus heidelbergensis, Crataegus apiomorpha var. cyanophylla, Crataegus roanensis var. heidelbergensis, Crataegus matura, Crataegus randiana, Crataegus cordifolia var. macrosperma, Crataegus glaucophylla, Crataegus tenella, Crataegus cordifolia var. pastorum, Crataegus cordifolia var. matura, Crataegus media, Crataegus acutiloba
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Botanical Description
Crataegus macrosperma, the variable or big-fruit hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree of the rose family (Rosaceae) native to most of the eastern United States and adjacent Canada, becoming scarcer at low elevations in the south. Mature trees reach 5–8 m in height with a rounded crown, the grey-brown branches armed with long, straight, slender thorns. The simple alternate leaves are ovate to broadly elliptic, sharply doubly serrate, and often shallowly lobed. In spring it bears flat-topped corymbs of small white five-petalled flowers whose unpleasant, fish-like odour attracts midges as pollinators. The fruit is a fleshy reddish-orange pome ripening in autumn, containing several large nutlets characteristic of the species. It is one of the earliest blooming hawthorns in its range and may hybridise or be confused with C. flabellata. The species tolerates clay, drought, and wind, and prefers full sun on woodland edges and open slopes.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
Cherokee used the fresh fruit for food (Perry, 1975).
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.