Woody hawthorn
Crataegus laciniata

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A deciduous shrub or tree. It grows 6 m high. It is broadly spreading. It is thorny. The bark is grey and flakes into thin plates. The leaves are diamond shaped and 5 cm long and across. They are deeply lobed. The lobes can have teeth at the tip. They are glossy green above and grey and hairy underneath. The flowers are 2 cm across and white with pink anthers. They grow in dense clusters. The fruit are rounded and red. They are 2 cm across. They have a flattened top.

There are 200 or more Crataegus species.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It is native to SW Asia and SE Europe. It grows on the edges of woods and thickets. Temperate. It is resistant to frost and drought. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Britain, Europe (country/location of origin), Greece, Italy, Mediterranean, Morocco, North Africa, Spain, Tunisia

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and used in pies and preserves. They can be dried.

Edible parts

Fruit

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

Adman, Majoletas

Synonyms

Crataegus orientalis Pallas ex Bieb.;