Oriental Hawthorn Crataegus orientalis
ABOUT
Crataegus orientalis, commonly known as Oriental hawthorn, is a deciduous plant that is well-known for its beautiful and distinct features. This plant bears broad leaves that exhibit a vibrant green hue, providing a lush and dense canopy. As the seasons change, the leaves take on warm, autumnal colors, adding seasonal interest to the landscape. The Oriental hawthorn is adorned with clusters of delicate white flowers that bloom prolifically, creating a stark and attractive contrast against the green foliage. These flowers are not only eye-catching but also emit a pleasant fragrance that attracts various pollinators. As the flowering season ends, the plant produces small, berry-like fruits that boast a bright red color, providing food for birds and other wildlife while adding a splash of color to its surroundings. The bark of the Oriental hawthorn has a rough texture, which peels off in irregular pieces, revealing a complex pattern of colors that contribute to the plant's ornamental value. The branches grow in a haphazard, twisted manner, giving the plant an intriguing, rugged shape that appeals to those who appreciate a natural, less manicured aesthetic in their gardens. Overall, the Oriental hawthorn presents a charming appearance with its seasonal transformations and unique structural characteristics.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Eastern Hawthorn, Oriental Hawthorn, Turkish Hawthorn.
Common names
Crataegus aronia var. orientalis, Crataegus laciniata, Mespilus orientalis, Crataegus pontica, Crataegus sinaica, Crataegus orientalis var. cuneata, Crataegus orientalis var. laciniata, Crataegus orientalis var. sinaica.
ToxicityTo humans
Crataegus orientalis, commonly known as Oriental hawthorn, is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, various species of Crataegus (hawthorn) have been used traditionally for medicinal purposes, including their leaves, berries, and flowers. However, it is critical to note that the seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when metabolized. Ingesting large quantities of seeds could therefore potentially cause cyanide poisoning, the symptoms of which include difficulty breathing, weakness, confusion, and possibly coma or death in severe cases. These are general considerations for the hawthorn genus, and individual reactions can vary.
To pets
Oriental hawthorn is not commonly listed as toxic to pets. Much like in humans, the berries or leaves might be ingested without significant risk of poisoning. However, pets should not consume the seeds of the Oriental hawthorn, as they contain amygdalin, which can be metabolized into cyanide. Signs of cyanide poisoning in pets include excessive drooling, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and shock, which could be fatal in severe cases. Caution is therefore advised to prevent pets from ingesting large quantities of the seeds.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Southeastern Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Crataegus orientalis, commonly known as the Oriental hawthorn, is often used in landscaping due to its attractive flowers, fruits, and overall form.
- Wildlife support: The flowers provide nectar for pollinators, while the fruits are a food source for birds and small mammals.
- Drought resistance: The Oriental hawthorn is known for its ability to withstand dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Soil stabilization: Its root system can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and in areas prone to erosion.
- Seasonal interest: With its spring blooms, colorful autumn foliage, and persistent fruits in winter, it offers visual interest across seasons.
- Hardiness: It is generally robust and can thrive in a range of climates and soil types, contributing to its low maintenance requirements.
Medical Properties- Cardiotonic: Crataegus orientalis is believed to have a beneficial effect on heart health by improving cardiac function.
- Antioxidant: It is known to contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant may have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Antihypertensive: Crataegus orientalis might be used to help lower blood pressure in traditional medicine practices.
- Anxiolytic: There are suggestions that it may have a mild anxiety-reducing effect.
- Diuretic: It is sometimes used to promote urination and thereby reduce fluid retention.
- Digestive aid: The plant might be used to help with digestive problems, though specifics are not well-documented.
- Vasodilatory: It may exert effects that result in the dilation of blood vessels, potentially improving circulation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crataegus orientalis, commonly known as Oriental hawthorn, can be used for woodworking due to the hardness of its wood, which is suitable for crafting small objects and turning on a lathe.
- The fruit of the Oriental hawthorn can be used to make jellies, jams, and preserves because of its pectin content and tart flavor.
- Its dense growth habit makes Oriental hawthorn suitable for use as a hedge or privacy screen in landscaping.
- In some cultures, the wood of Oriental hawthorn is valued for making traditional musical instruments, particularly woodwind instruments.
- The flowers of the Oriental hawthorn can be used for ornamental purposes, both fresh and dried, in floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Oriental hawthorn's thorns can be used as natural needles or for crafting small implements in survival situations.
- Leather tanners sometimes use the thorns of the Oriental hawthorn as tools for piercing or marking leather goods.
- Cooked Oriental hawthorn fruit is sometimes used as a natural dye in textile productions, providing subtle color variations.
- In rural areas, Oriental hawthorn branches are sometimes used as animal feed, particularly for goats and sheep.
- The tree's dense, thorny branches can be employed in creating living fences to contain livestock or deter intruders.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Oriental hawthorn is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Oriental hawthorn is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: Crataegus orientalis, commonly known as Oriental Hawthorn, often symbolizes hope, likely due to its resilience and ability to bloom even in harsh conditions.
- Protection: The thorny nature of the hawthorn tree has traditionally been seen as a symbol of protection, serving as a natural barrier in hedgerows and borders.
- Love and Marriage: In some cultures, hawthorn blossoms were used in wedding ceremonies and associated with love, likely because of their delicate and attractive flowers.
- Renewal: Hawthorn's ability to regenerate and its association with the spring season makes it a symbol of renewal and the cycle of life and growth.
- Purification: Due to its historical use in medicine and the belief in its purifying properties, Oriental Hawthorn represents cleansing and the removal of negative influences.
- Death: In some mythologies, hawthorn trees are thought to be connected to the otherworld, embodying a connection between the realms of life and death.
WaterThe Oriental Hawthorn should be watered deeply to ensure that the water reaches the root zone, rather than just wetting the surface. Watering should be done when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry, which typically amounts to once a week, although this can vary depending on the climate and season. During hot, dry periods, it may require watering twice a week, whereas in cooler, moist conditions, less frequent watering is necessary. Each watering session should provide enough water to soak the roots, which could mean using 1-2 gallons per plant, depending on the size and the soil's water retention ability.
LightThe Oriental Hawthorn prefers full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would be in a location where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade can be tolerated, especially in the hotter parts of the day, but the best fruiting and flowering typically occur when the tree is placed in full sun conditions.
TemperatureOriental Hawthorns are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, with an ideal growing range between 50°F and 85°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around -20°F once established. In summer, they can endure up to about 100°F, but prolonged heat over this temperature can stress the plant.
PruningPruning the Oriental Hawthorn is essential to maintain a strong structure, remove dead or diseased wood, and stimulate flowering and fruiting. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It should be done annually to keep the shape of the tree and to remove any crossing branches or unwanted growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Oriental Hawthorn requires well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and compost. A pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for its growth. To create the best soil mix, combine two parts loam, one part sand, and one part compost or well-rotted manure to ensure fertility and good drainage.
RepottingOriental Hawthorn trees, being relatively slow-growing, do not require frequent repotting. Young plants may benefit from repotting every 2-3 years to encourage growth. Mature hawthorns, once established, seldom need repotting unless they are growing in containers and become root-bound.
Humidity & MistingThe Oriental Hawthorn tolerates a wide range of humidity conditions. It does best in average humidity levels typical of outdoor environments and does not require special humidity adjustments when planted in its natural habitat outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in sunny spot, water when soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCrataegus orientalis, commonly known as Oriental Hawthorn, starts its life cycle as a dormant seed which, under suitable temperature and moisture conditions, germinates to produce a seedling. The seedling grows into a juvenile plant, developing a strong root system and foliage, in a stage that can last for several years before the plant reaches maturity. Once mature, the Oriental Hawthorn becomes capable of flowering, usually in the spring, and its white or pink fragranced flowers are pollinated by insects. Following pollination, the flowers develop into bright red fruits, known as haws, which ripen in the autumn. These fruits are a food source for birds and other wildlife, which also aid in seed dispersal. The plant can live for many years, with some specimens reaching considerable ages and sizes, continuously reproducing through flowering and fruiting annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Eastern Hawthorn, or Crataegus orientalis, is by seed. The best time to collect seeds is when the berries have fully ripened, usually in the fall. Cleaned seeds require cold stratification to break dormancy; this involves mixing the seeds with slightly moist sand and storing them in a refrigerator at about 34 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 4 degrees Celsius) for approximately 3-4 months. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a well-drained seed starting mix, placed at about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6 to 12 mm) deep. Germination can take a long time, sometimes over a year, so patience is necessary. Once seedlings develop true leaves and reach a sturdy size, they can be transplanted to their permanent location outdoors.
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