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Description
Crataegus Pinnatifida Var. Major, commonly known as Chinese hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Asia, particularly China, and is widely cultivated for its edible fruit. The plant has a mature height of up to 10 meters and a spread of up to 8 meters. Its leaves are pinnately lobed and have a glossy, dark green color. The flowers are small, white or pink, and bloom in late spring or early summer. The fruit is a small, round, red or yellow berry that ripens in early autumn and is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Crataegus |
Appearance
Chinese hawthorn has a unique and attractive appearance that makes it a popular ornamental plant. Its leaves are deeply lobed and have a serrated edge. The foliage turns a bright red in the fall, providing a stunning display of color. The flowers are small and clustered, with five petals that are either white or pink. The fruit is a small, round berry that is about the size of a cherry. It is typically red, but some varieties may have a yellow or orange color. The fruit has a tart, slightly sweet flavor and is commonly used in jams, jellies, and other culinary applications.
Care Guide
Chinese hawthorn is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some attention to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for your Chinese hawthorn:- Water: Chinese hawthorn prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate periods of drought. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.- Fertilization: Chinese hawthorn benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring and mid-summer.- Soil: Chinese hawthorn prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. If your soil is too alkaline, amend it with peat moss or sulfur.- Sunlight: Chinese hawthorn prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant it in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Chinese hawthorn is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Chinese hawthorn is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by a few common problems. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that may affect Chinese hawthorn:- Fire blight: This bacterial disease can cause wilting and dieback of the branches. Prune infected branches and disinfect your pruning tools to prevent the spread of the disease.- Aphids: These small insects can cluster on the leaves and cause damage. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.
Habitat
Chinese hawthorn is native to Asia, particularly China, and is widely cultivated throughout the region. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Chinese hawthorn is commonly grown in gardens and parks as an ornamental plant, but it is also cultivated for its edible fruit.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Chinese hawthorn edible?A: Yes, the fruit of Chinese hawthorn is edible and is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and culinary applications.Q: How tall does Chinese hawthorn grow?A: Chinese hawthorn can grow up to 10 meters tall at maturity.Q: What is the best soil for Chinese hawthorn?A: Chinese hawthorn prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Chinese hawthorn?A: Chinese hawthorn is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you may be interested in:- Crataegus Laevigata (English hawthorn)- Crataegus Monogyna (common hawthorn)- Crataegus Phaenopyrum (Washington hawthorn)
References
– “Crataegus pinnatifida var. major.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c197- “Crataegus pinnatifida var. major.” PlantFiles. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/210585/- “Chinese hawthorn.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/61151/i-crataegus-pinnatifida-i-var-i-major-i/details
