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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Crataegus mollis Scheele
Downy hawthorn, White thorn, Whitethorn, Scarlet hawthorn, Scarlet haw
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
USDA Symbol: crmo2
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Handsome tree with tall trunk and compact, rounded crown of spreading branches, large broad hairy leaves, many large flowers, and large scarlet fruit. Downy hawthorn is wide-spreading tree, 20-40 ft. in height, with horizontal branching and varying degrees of thorniness. The bark of the short trunk is silvery and scaly. Profuse, flat-topped clusters of white, rose-like blossoms are followed by persistent, tiny, red apples. Medium-green, fuzzy foliage is usually aborted in early fall due to infections. Little harm is done, since the species is not known for fall color.
One of the largest trees of its genus, Downy Hawthorn was originally called White Thorn. It was introduced into European gardens as early as 1683. The common and Latin species names both refer to the soft hairy foliage.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower:
Fruit: Red
Size Class: 36-72 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: NS , ON , QC
Native Distribution: W. NY to extreme e. ND, s. to AL, LA & OK
Native Habitat: Woodland borders; alluvial thickets; sandy hillsides; fields; roadsides
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , ShadeSoil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil Description: Variable.
Conditions Comments: This is an extremely variable tree which will tolerate dry soils. It is very susceptible to a number of leaf diseases including rust blights. It should not be planted near red cedar, an alternate host of several rusts. This is one the of first hawthorns to bloom in spring. The long, sharp thorns are hazardous.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Habitat for many birds and other wildlife. Only a few birds like the fruit of Crataegus and, consequently, they remain effective for a long time.Use Medicinal: Dried leaves or flowers have been administered in capsules, teas and tinctures for treating heart and circulatory problems. Studies have shown that hawthorn dilates blood vessels, thereby improving circulation, increasing oxygen supply to the heart and stabilizing blood pressure. (Kershaw)
Warning: Plant has thorns or prickles.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSupports Conservation Biological Control
This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Propagate using treated seed planted in fall. May not germinate until the second year.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Warm stratify at 70-77 degrees for 120 days followed by 135 days at 41 degrees.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
Bibliography
Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, SallySearch More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Crataegus mollis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Crataegus mollis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Crataegus mollis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-10-20Research By: TWC Staff
