Cutleaf Hawthorn
crataegus laciniata
Also known as: ["Cut-leaved Hawthorn","Laciniated Hawthorn"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree with deeply lobed leaves and white flowers, followed by red berries.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Crataegus |
| Botanical Name: | Crataegus laciniata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter. Tolerates poor soils but thrives with compost or aged manure.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate. Remove up to one-third of old growth if rejuvenation is needed, but avoid heavy pruning in
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 to prevent leaf scorch. Outdoor placement is ideal, but ensure adequate light indoors if grown as a container plant.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sun; supplement with grow lights if indoors.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C). Tolerates cold winters but requires protection from extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from late frosts; water early to reduce heat stress.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn roots; use organic compost as a soil amendment; test soil pH before fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed propagation. Softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer have higher success rates.
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; autumn for seeds after fruit ripening.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and bright indirect light. Protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand. For seeds, use a sterile seed-starting mix with added grit for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks under ideal conditions. Seed germination can take 1–3 months, often requiring stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, misting bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome, heat mat (optional).
Quick Tips
Use sharp, sterile tools; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire branches back to the trunk or main branch; heading cuts to shorten branches and encourage bushiness.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage air circulation. Focus on structural improvement and fruit production.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid removing more than 25% of canopy at once.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts. Avoid repotting during dormancy or extreme weather.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter. Ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Young plants may need repotting annually to support growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting; place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days 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 perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage, delayed growth, or dieback of tender tissues, especially in young plants or late frosts.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots; protect with frost cloth or burlap in severe cold; avoid planting in low-lying frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute liquid fertilizers; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring to early summer). Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are more sensitive to cyanogenic glycosides than dogs. Ingestion of Crataegus laciniata berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset and mild systemic effects in cats.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Crataegus laciniata contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and mild systemic effects in dogs if ingested in significant amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCrataegus laciniata berries contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon digestion. Ingestion in large quantities may lead to mild gastrointestinal distress and mild systemic effects due to cyanide exposure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Crataegus laciniata suitable for small gardens?
A: Yes, it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size, making it suitable for smaller garden spaces.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it produces berries that attract birds and its flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Q: How often should it be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings; more frequent watering may be needed during dry spells.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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