SafePlants

Big-Fruit Hawthorn (Crataegus macrosperma)

Considerations for Pets

• Hawthorns, in general, have sharp woody thorns that could potentially cause injury.
• The fruits contain seeds (sometimes referred to as "stones" or "nuts") that pets may attempt to ingest.

Considerations for Children

• Hawthorns, in general, have sharp woody thorns that could potentially cause injury.
• The fruits contain seeds (sometimes referred to as "stones" or "nuts") that children may attempt to ingest.

Quirky Facts

• The fruits of hawthorns, sometimes as large as crabapples, can remain on the tree throughout the winter, providing a splash of color.
• Some people enjoy eating raw hawthorn berries, spitting out the large seeds.

Crataegus macrosperma, commonly known as Big-Fruit Hawthorn, is a deciduous tree.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Crataegus macrosperma
• Common Name: Big-Fruit Hawthorn
• Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
• Genus: Crataegus
• Species: macrosperma

Description and Growth Habits

• It grows as a small tree or large shrub, reaching up to 8 meters (26 feet) in height and width.
• Flowers appear in May, and the seeds ripen in September.
• The tree is known for its sharp woody thorns. Some varieties, such as 'Big Golden Star', are almost thornless.
• It produces white flowers in spring, followed by large red or orange-red fruits.
• The fruits of some species, like Crataegus monogyna, have a single seed, while others, like Midland hawthorn, have two.

Distribution and Habitat

• Crataegus macrosperma is native to most of the eastern U.S. and adjacent Canada, but is uncommon at lower altitudes.
• Hawthorns are found in sunny locations, such as shrubby fields.

Ecological Role

• Hawthorns provide food for a wide variety of insects and birds.
• Hawthorns are valuable additions to wildlife gardens.

Uses

• The fruits are edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, and candied snacks.
• Historically, hawthorn fruits, leaves, and berries have been used in herbal treatments.