English Hawthorn
crataegus laevigata
Also known as: ["May Tree","Quickthorn"]
Overview
A deciduous tree or large shrub with thorny branches, known for its white spring flowers and red berries (haws).
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Crataegus |
| Botanical Name: | Crataegus laevigata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various soil types
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on plant size and health.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sunlight to prevent scorching. For indoor placement, use a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid placing in dark corners.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogging; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8. Prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates cold but may struggle above 85°F (29°C).
Protect from late frosts; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize before new growth emerges; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or seed propagation in fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; fall for seeds after fruit ripening.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and indirect light for cuttings; cold stratification for seeds.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or cactus mix for cuttings; well-draining seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seeds may take 1–2 years to germinate and establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags, misting bottle, small pots.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire branches back to the trunk; heading cuts to shorten branches for shaping.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage airflow and light penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before bud break; remove crossing branches; cut just above a bud or branch collar.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Young plants may need repotting annually.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; prune roots if pot-bound; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry before the next watering.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix sand or perlite for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat; browning or wilting in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause leaf drop, slowed growth, or damage to buds and flowers if not sufficiently hardy for the zone.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from harsh winds; avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering due to water stress and heat shock.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce ground heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid winter feeding; monitor for signs of over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season, avoiding winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort if they ingest the seeds or pits of Crataegus laevigata, owing to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicSimilar to humans, the seeds and pits of Crataegus laevigata can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs due to cyanogenic glycosides, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe seeds and pits of Crataegus laevigata contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon digestion, leading to mild gastrointestinal distress and potential systemic effects in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Crataegus laevigata suitable for small gardens?
A: Yes, it can be pruned to maintain a manageable size, but it typically grows into a medium-sized tree.
Q: Are the berries of Crataegus laevigata edible?
A: The berries are edible but tart; they are often used in jams, jellies, and traditional medicine.
Q: Does Crataegus laevigata attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds, which feed on its nectar and berries.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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