Canada Hawthorn
crataegus canadensis
Also known as: ["Canadian Hawthorn","Hawthorn of Canada"]
Overview
A deciduous tree or large shrub native to North America, known for its thorny branches, white flowers, and red berries.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Crataegus |
| Botanical Name: | Crataegus canadensis |
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":"–30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- 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 age and condition of the tree.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers and fruits.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Full sun for best growth; partial shade acceptable; protect from harsh afternoon sun in arid regions.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (15–25°C). Tolerates cold winters but requires a chilling period for fruiting.
Protect from extreme cold; provide shade in hot summers; ensure adequate chilling for fruiting.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize in spring before growth starts; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; use organic options like compost for slow release.
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.
- Or clean seeds.
- Cold stratify.
- Sow in spring.
Best Time: Summer for cuttings; fall for seeds after fruit ripening.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (20–25°C), and indirect light for cuttings; cold stratification required for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; sterile 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, pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use fresh cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting; cold stratify seeds for better germination.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire branches back to the trunk or main scaffold; heading cuts to shorten branches for shaping.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage fruiting. Focus on young trees to establish a strong framework.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +5–10 cm in diameter).
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted as it is usually grown in the ground. If container-grown, repot every 2–3 years to refresh soil and accommodate growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water well after repotting; provide support if needed.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Apply water slowly to allow deep penetration, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
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 to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate sand or perlite for drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in extreme heat; dieback or delayed bud break in insufficient cold exposure.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop, and buds may fail to open if temperatures drop too rapidly or remain below -30°C without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect young plants with burlap screens in extreme cold; avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced fruit set in prolonged heat above 30°C, especially with low humidity.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid high nitrogen; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. Apply a second light feeding in midsummer if growth is weak. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage at the expense of flowers/fruits.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are sensitive to cyanogenic glycosides found in the berries of Crataegus canadensis. Ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal distress, though severe poisoning is uncommon.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume the berries of Crataegus canadensis due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. Severe toxicity is unlikely unless large amounts are ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Crataegus canadensis contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon ingestion. In small quantities, these compounds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, but severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Crataegus canadensis toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and berries.
Q: How difficult is it to care for?
A: It has moderate care difficulty, requiring regular maintenance but is relatively tough once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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