The gender Crataegus, Popularly known as Hawthorn, hawthorn o common hawthorn, brings together a diverse set of deciduous shrubs and trees characterized by their resistance, ornamental value, and usefulness in both private gardens and public spaces. These plants, which belong to the family Rosaceae, are widely appreciated for their profuse spring flowering, their lush foliage and their classic production of berries at the end of summer or fall. In addition to their beauty, they are notable for their ease of cultivation and maintenance, making them an ideal choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
If you want to discover in depth What a Crataegus looks like, what are your main species and varieties, cultivation techniques that best suit you, and the practical and medicinal uses that it offers, in this article we show it to you in full detail and rigor.
Origin, distribution and botanical characteristics of Crataegus
El Crataegus it is originally from temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, encompassing Europe, Asia and North America. Over time, it has been successfully introduced into Australia, New Zealand and South America, as well as in much of the Iberian Peninsula. It adapts naturally to forest edges, thickets, roadsides y river banks, where it forms an essential part of local ecosystems.
The bearing of the Hawthorn usually erect y rounded, presenting a abundant and compact branching which is usually provided with thorns about 1-3 centimeters in length. leaves of the different species are expire, alternate, deeply lobed, bright green, sometimes with darker or silvery highlights. During the fall, they provide an attractive yellow, orange, or coppery color before falling.
The bark is initially greyish and tends to darken with age, showing longitudinal cracks in adult specimens. thorny branches They are one of the main reasons for their use as a defensive hedge in gardening and agriculture.
El Crataegus blooms from late spring to early summer depending on the species and the local climate. Their flowers, which can be white, pink or even red in certain ornamental varieties, are grouped in inflorescences like corymb and are usually very aromatic. The quantity, color and simplicity of the flowers depends on the species and cultivar, but in all cases they are spectacular due to the density and attractiveness with which they cover the twigs.
After flowering, the flowers transform into small fleshy fruits (called knobs), colored deep red in most species, although in some they may also be yellow or orangeThese fruits last well into autumn and are a key food source for birds and other animals.
Main species and notable varieties of Crataegus
- Crataegus Azarolus (acerolo or bizcobo): Originating from Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle EastIt grows to between 3 and 5 meters in height and is traditionally used for its edible fruits, which can be yellow, orange, or reddish. It is valued for both its ornamental and nutritional value. You can also check out other trees with red fruits.
- Crataegus laevigata (Navarre hawthorn or two-bone hawthorn): It is recognized by its growth of up to 8-12 meters and by the presence of softly lobed leaves y single or double flowers in white or deep pink depending on the variety ('Paul's Scarlet', 'Coccinea Plena'). It is distinguished from C. monogyna in the number of styles in the flower and the character of the leaf lobes. Learn more about the characteristics of Crataegus laevigata.
- Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn, common hawthorn, or hawthorn): Common throughout Eurasia and North Africa, it can grow to over 10–15 meters tall. It has deeply lobed leaves and red, single-seeded berries. It flowers profusely and forms dense, thorny hedges, useful as a natural barrier. Learn more about Crataegus monogyna.
- Crataegus orientalis: Native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, with leaves of silver tones and deep lobulationIts fruits are orange, and its bark turns dark in winter. It's well-suited to Mediterranean gardens thanks to its hardiness and low maintenance. Discover other exotic trees for the Mediterranean climate.
- Crataegus crus-galli y Crataegus macrantha: They stand out for their ornamental use, especially in America.
It is important to note that the name Crataegus oxyacantha It has been rejected as ambiguous and is sometimes erroneously used to refer to several different species.
Detailed description: crown, leaves, flowers and fruits
El doors Crataegus varies from shrub to small tree, with a dense, rounded and highly branched crown. Cortex It is initially smooth and greyish, becoming rougher and darker over the years.
The leaves They are small, alternate, with well-defined lobes (from 3 to 9 depending on the species) and a color intense green on the upper surface, which can acquire yellow, orange or reddish tones in autumn. In species such as Crataegus orientalis, they may have a somewhat woolly texture and silvery highlights. Learn more about the characteristics of Crataegus oxyacantha.
La flowering It usually occurs between April and June. flowers They have five petals, the center is usually yellow because of the stamens and they give off a pleasant fragranceThey are grouped in corymbs, with some varieties being very showy due to their double flowers and intense colors.
At the end of summer and beginning of autumn, the fruits mature, becoming bright red, orange, or yellow colorSome species are edible, although most are used as food for birds and wildlife. They typically measure between 0,8 and 1,5 cm in diameter and contain 1 to 5 seeds, depending on the type.
Essential growing conditions and care
Cultivar Crataegus It is simple, as long as you follow some basic guidelines:
- Location: It prefers full sun outdoors, although some species tolerate partial shade. It can be used as part of hedges, rows, as a single specimen, or in large pots on terraces. Ideal for gardens of different styles.
- Substratum: Requires soils well drained, rich in organic matter and slightly cool. Tolerates soils calcareous, clayey and sandy, as long as they are not waterlogged. Neutral or slightly alkaline pH is best.
- Plantation: It is recommended to plant in spring or fall, avoiding periods of extreme cold or heat. It's important to leave enough space away from walls and other plants for optimal growth.
Irrigation
El irrigation must be moderateDuring the summer, it's ideal to water two to three times a week, ensuring the soil doesn't remain waterlogged. In winter and during the rainy season, it's sufficient to space out watering to once every 7-10 days, depending on the humidity and soil type. In pots, effective drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
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El Crataegus It appreciates contributions of organic matter. It can be fertilized in late winter and early spring with cured manure, compost, or guano. In pots, use a liquid fertilizer specifically for flowering plants, following the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overdosing.
Pruning
La pruning It is advisable to prune at the end of winter, once the risk of frost has passed. Dry, diseased, or misaligned branches are removed, and the shrub or hedge can be shaped to the desired design. In summer, light maintenance pruning can be performed to contain growth.
Multiplication
- By seeds: They are sown in autumn, since they require a cold period (stratification) to germinate. In mild climates, seeds can be stratified in a refrigerator for three months at 6°C. Propagation by cuttings is also effective.
- By cuttings: It can be propagated by woody cuttings taken in late winter or semi-woody cuttings in early spring or mid-summer.
- GraftOrnamental varieties are usually multiplied by grafting.
Potted cultivation
El Crataegus It is perfectly suited for growing in large pots, especially on terraces and patios. A quality universal substrate should be used, ensuring drainage holes. It should be watered more frequently than in the ground and fertilized every two weeks during spring and summer.
Main pests, diseases and prevention
The thorns may be affected by aphids, Red spider, mealybugs, defoliation caterpillars y drills. Ecological treatments such as neem oil and diatomaceous earth They are very effective. In cases of severe attacks, a specific insecticide can be used.
Hardiness and climate tolerance
The Crataegus are highly resistant to cold, easily withstanding temperatures of up to -18 ° C Some species even tolerate more intense frosts. They are ideal for mountain gardens, temperate regions, and wind-exposed areas. Once established, they can withstand periods of light drought, although the foliage and fruiting will be more spectacular if the soil is regularly moist.
Main uses of Crataegus
- Ornamental: The main use of the Hawthorn is as ornamental shrub or tree. It can be planted as a solitary specimen, in groups, forming thorny hedges ideal as a natural barrier, or even cultivated as bonsai thanks to its adaptation to pruning and its slow formation.
- Wood: The Crataegus wood It is dense and heavy, traditionally used to make tool handles and in the production of charcoal.
- Defensive barrier: For its impenetrable thorns and the dense trellis is an excellent hedge that prevents the passage of animals and protects crops or private estates.
Medicinal properties and culinary uses of Crataegus
In addition to its ornamental value, the White hawthorn stands out for its traditional medicinal applications:
- The flowers They contain active ingredients such as flavonoids, purines, amines and essential oils. They are used in infusions with tonicardial effect, vasodilator and antioxidant, helping to improve hypertension and cardiovascular disorders (always under medical supervision).
- You have calming and antispasmodic properties, useful in cases of insomnia, anxiety, stress or nervousness.
- Its fruits They can be consumed in jams, wines or homemade preparations. young leaves They are sometimes added to salads.
- They have also been used for treat digestive problems, since the starch in the fruits acts as an astringent in cases of mild diarrhea.
Curiosities and ecological value
- El Crataegus It is essential in the biodiversity of the ecosystems where it grows, favoring the life of birds, pollinating insects and small mammals that feed on its fruits or find refuge in its thorny branches.
- Its flowering is essential for bees and other pollinators in spring.
- El White hawthorn It is a symbol of natural protection and a barrier against intruders in the rural tradition of many countries.
The versatility of Crataegus, along with its rusticity and seasonal beauty, makes it an irreplaceable option for those looking for a easy-to-maintain shrub or tree, safe for the environment and with outstanding ecological, ornamental and medicinal benefitsIf you're looking to add a hardy, attractive, and multifunctional element to your garden, hawthorn is undoubtedly one of the best options.