Planting and Growing the Downy Hawthorn

Also known as the white thorn, the downy hawthorn is from the rose family of plants. It is native to the United States and is botanically known as Crataegus mollis.

Downy Hawthorn Description

Growing 20 to 40 feet tall, this perennial tree has a round crown and hairy leaves. Flowers are large and the fruit is red. The downy hawthorn has a short trunk with silver bark that is scaly. Leaves are large and broad. Flowers are rose-like and in clusters. Fruits are tiny apples. Leaves are fuzzy and medium green in color. Bloom season is between May and June.

Growing Guide

Downy hawthorn prefers any type of lighting and soil and is extremely adaptable. Propagate by seed that has had four months of warm stratification followed by four and a half months of cool stratification.

Distribution

This native is found in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. It is seen in roadsides, hillsides, thickets, and borders.

Herbal Remedy

It is said to help circulation by dilating the blood vessels and increasing the oxygen content to the heart. It may stabilize blood pressure. Teas, capsules, and tinctures are made from the flowers and dried leaves, used for treating circulatory and heart problems.

Warnings

This plant has thorny prickles over it and may injure. In addition, it is prone to getting several types of rust blights and leaf diseases.

Source: NPIN