Pedicellate Hawthorn
crataegus pedicellata
Also known as: ["Pedicellate Thorn","Small Pedicellate Hawthorn"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree in the rose family, known for its thorny branches, white flowers, and small red fruits called haws.
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 pedicellata |
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; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate poor soils but thrives with added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend with organic matter for fertility; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates cold winters and prefers moderate temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost in early spring or late fall; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only during active growth; use a balanced formula; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or seed propagation in autumn.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, transplant when rooted.
- For seeds, clean, stratify, sow, keep moist.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; autumn for seeds after fruit ripening.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light for cuttings; consistent moisture for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; peat moss can be added for seed germination.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seeds can take several months to germinate and years to mature.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to shape branches, and removal of crossing or damaged limbs.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage airflow and light penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape the plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for young plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
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 fungal growth; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, chlorosis, or browning leaf edges; stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; growth slows or halts; young or weak plants may suffer tissue damage in severe cold.
Solution: Mulch around the base to insulate roots; protect from harsh winds; move potted plants to sheltered locations during extreme cold.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or premature leaf drop due to excessive heat and dry conditions.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage, use appropriate fertilizer, follow dilution rates, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if applied monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSimilar to dogs, cats are sensitive to the cyanogenic glycosides found in the seeds and pits of Crataegus pedicellata. While the berries are not highly toxic, ingestion of seeds or pits can lead to mild poisoning.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe seeds and pits of Crataegus pedicellata contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause mild toxicity in dogs if ingested in significant amounts. The berries themselves are generally safe but should be given in moderation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCrataegus pedicellata, commonly known as hawthorn, is generally considered safe for consumption of its berries (haws) in moderation. However, the seeds and pits contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon digestion, leading to mild toxicity if ingested in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Crataegus pedicellata toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How difficult is it to care for?
A: It has moderate care difficulty, requiring regular maintenance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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