Azarole Hawthorn
crataegus azarolus
Also known as: ["Azarole","Medlar Hawthorn"]
Overview
A deciduous tree or large shrub in the rose family, known for its small, edible fruits and thorny branches.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Crataegus |
| Botanical Name: | Crataegus azarolus |
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":"–10 to 40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter. Tolerates poor soils but thrives with added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter/early spring before bud break.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and fruit production.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer fruits.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually over 1–2 weeks. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Outdoor placement is ideal; indoor plants require a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains in intense sun; monitor for sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, and avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture; avoid compacting soil; test pH every 2–3 years.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–8. Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth; tolerates winter lows to -20°F (-29°C) in dormancy.
Protect from late spring frosts; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid placing near heat sources indoors.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Test soil before fertilizing; water before applying fertilizer; follow label instructions to prevent burn.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings taken in early summer or seed propagation after cold stratification.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity. For seeds: collect in fall.
- Stratify 3–4 months.
- Sow in spring.
Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; late winter/early spring for seeds after stratification.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F/21–24°C), and indirect light for cuttings; consistent moisture for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand for cuttings; sterile seed-starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seeds germinate in 1–3 months after stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, misting bottle, heat mat, plastic bags for humidity.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire branches back to the trunk or main scaffold; heading cuts to shorten branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage fruiting wood. Prune to maintain airflow and reduce disease risk.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw, disinfectant (bleach solution).
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter for container plants.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; replace with fresh, well-draining soil; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Not typically required for outdoor trees. Container-grown plants should be repotted every 2–3 years to refresh soil and check root health.
Checklist
Check root bound status; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage; adjust seasonally.
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. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall/winter. Adjust based on rainfall and temperature.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure. Incorporate sand or perlite in heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in extreme heat; dieback or delayed bud break in insufficient winter chill.
Cold Stress
Leaves may drop prematurely, and buds may fail to open if temperatures drop too rapidly or if the plant is not fully dormant.
Solution: Ensure proper dormancy by reducing water in fall. Protect young plants with mulch or burlap in harsh winters. Avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced fruit set during prolonged heat waves above 90°F (32°C).
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat, increase watering, and mulch to retain soil moisture. Avoid fertilizing during heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. Apply a light dose of nitrogen-rich fertilizer after fruit set. Avoid fertilizing in late summer/fall to prevent new growth vulnerable to frost.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are susceptible to mild toxicity from ingesting the seeds or pits of Crataegus azarolus. The cyanogenic glycosides can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in rare cases, more severe neurological effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild toxicity if they ingest the seeds or pits of Crataegus azarolus due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. The effects are generally gastrointestinal, but larger quantities could lead to more severe symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCrataegus azarolus, commonly known as azarole, contains cyanogenic glycosides in its seeds and pits. These compounds can release cyanide upon ingestion, leading to mild to moderate toxicity. The physiological impact is primarily gastrointestinal and neurological, though severe effects are rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the fruit of Crataegus azarolus edible?
A: Yes, the small fruits are edible and can be used in jams or eaten raw when ripe.
Q: Does Crataegus azarolus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and fruits.
Q: Is this plant toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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