Scarlet Hawthorn
crataegus coccinioides
Also known as: ["Scarlet Hawthorn","Scarlet-leaved Hawthorn"]
Overview
A deciduous tree or large shrub native to North America, known for its bright red berries and thorny branches.
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 coccinioides |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates clay but prefers improved drainage.
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 (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure proper placement for optimal light exposure.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; adjust based on season and weather.
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; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates cold winters and moderate heat; prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; monitor for signs of stress.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize lightly; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer; seeds can also be sown in fall after cold stratification.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
- For seeds, stratify, sow, keep moist, wait for germination.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; fall for seeds.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light for cuttings; cold stratification required for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also use peat moss for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination can take several months with cold stratification.
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; remove crossing or crowded branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage flowering and fruiting.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, remove dead/diseased wood, thin crowded areas, shape as needed, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
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; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Choose new pot, prepare fresh soil, trim roots, position plant, water, place in appropriate light.
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; avoid wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay amendments.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in cold stress; wilting or leaf drop in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or turn brown; buds may fail to open; growth may slow or stop in prolonged cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowers may fade quickly; growth may become stunted.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, avoid late-season feeding, follow package instructions.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer or fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are sensitive to the tannins in Crataegus coccinioides berries, which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in significant amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large quantities of Crataegus coccinioides berries. The tannins present in the berries can irritate the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCrataegus coccinioides, commonly known as hawthorn, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when consumed in large quantities. The berries, while not highly toxic, may lead to discomfort due to their high tannin content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the berries of Crataegus coccinioides edible?
A: The berries are mildly toxic to humans and should not be consumed raw, but they can be cooked into jams or preserves.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and berries.
Q: How should I prune Crataegus coccinioides?
A: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or overcrowded branches, ensuring good air circulation.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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