European hawthorn, Double-flowered white hawthorn
Crataegus oxyacantha

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 5 m tall. The branches are reddish brown and thorny. The leaves are smooth. They are alternate and simple. There are 3-5 lobes in the top half. There are irregular teeth around the edge. The leaves are bright green and glossy on top. The flowers are white and at the end of the branches. The fruit are round and turn red when ripe. They have 2 seeds.

There are 200 or more Crataegus species. There is some uncertainty over the scientific name of this species.

Where it is found

Temperate. It will grow in most soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to frost and drought.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Britain, Croatia, Europe (country/location of origin), Himalayas, Hungary, India, Italy, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Netherlands, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Russia, Tunisia, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and used in pies and preserves. They can be dried. The dried fruit pulp can be added to flour. The young leaves are used for tea. The seeds are used as a coffee substitute.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds - coffee, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. The seed need cold treatment. Plants can also be grafted.

Its other names

Local names

Ban sanjli, Changa, Phindak, Pingyat, Quick-set thorn, Ring, Ringo, Tampassa

Synonyms

Crataegus laevigata;