Midland Hawthorn Crataegus laevigata 'Punicea'

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae

• Synonyms

  Midland Hawthorn, English Hawthorn, Woodland Hawthorn, Mayflower

• Common names

  Crataegus oxyacantha var. punicea, Crataegus laevigata f. rosea.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant in question is commonly known as the Midland hawthorn. Midland hawthorn is not considered toxic to humans, and in fact, various parts of the plant, including the berries, have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. However, the seeds inside the berries contain cyanogenic glycosides and, if ingested in large quantities after crushing, can release cyanide and might lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headache, dizziness, confusion, and can be fatal in extreme cases. It is generally advised to avoid consuming seeds of the Midland hawthorn.

• To pets

  The plant known as the Midland hawthorn is generally not regarded as toxic to pets. The ripe berries can be eaten by pets without significant risk, but as with humans, the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that could pose a risk if consumed in large amounts or if the seeds are chewed. Ingesting seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. While poisoning from Midland hawthorn seeds is rare, care should be taken to prevent pets from ingesting large amounts of seeds.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  15 25 [4.6 7.6]

• Spread

  15 25 [4.6 7.6]

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Ornamental Value: Crataegus laevigata 'Punicea', commonly known as the Midland Hawthorn, adds aesthetic appeal with its showy red flowers, especially during its blooming period in spring.
• Attracts Wildlife: The tree provides food and habitat for various birds and insects due to its fruit and nectar.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Midland Hawthorn is known for its ability to withstand periods of drought, making it suitable for climates with occasional water scarcity.
• Compact Size: With its moderate size, it is suitable for smaller gardens or urban areas where space might be limited.
• Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal pruning and care once it is established, making it ideal for those who want an attractive garden feature without a lot of upkeep.
• Seasonal Interest: It offers year-round interest—from spring flowers to summer greenery, autumn fruit, and the stark beauty of its branching pattern in winter.
• Tolerant to Poor Soils: The Midland Hawthorn can thrive in a variety of soil types, even those that are less than ideal in terms of fertility.

Medical Properties

• Cardiotonic: Enhances heart function and efficiency.
• Vasodilator: Promotes dilation of blood vessels, potentially improving circulation.
• Antioxidant: Contains compounds that may help in reducing oxidative stress.
• Mild sedative: May have calming effects on the nervous system.
• Anti-inflammatory: Potentially reduces inflammation in the body.
• Digestive aid: Sometimes used to support digestion.
• Anxiolytic: Might have properties that reduce anxiety.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Hawthorn wood is hard and dense, making it ideal for making tool handles and other objects requiring durability.
• The thorns of hawthorn have historically been used for fish hooks, demonstrating their strength and sharpness.
• In rural landscapes, hawthorn hedges are often planted as livestock fencing due to their dense and thorny nature, which deters animals from passing through.
• The blossoms and berries can provide natural dyes for fabrics and textiles, offering hues ranging from green to yellow with the leaves, and pink to brown with the berries.
• The hawthorn's strong branches are sometimes utilized in the crafting of walking sticks or canes.
• In some cultures, hawthorn branches are symbolically used in wedding ceremonies to represent hope and prosperity for the married couple.
• Due to its dense branching pattern, hawthorn can be trained into bonsai forms, providing a unique challenge for enthusiasts of the art.
• The wood of hawthorn is also valued for its burning properties, being a good wood for fires as it burns hot and slowly, with minimal smoke.
• Hawthorn trees can be incorporated into permaculture designs as part of a forest garden, providing both a physical barrier and a habitat for beneficial wildlife.
• Traditionally, in some regions, hawthorn plant parts are used to make charms or amulets believed to offer protection from evil spirits or to bring good luck.

Feng Shui

The Hawthorn is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Hawthorn is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Hope: Crataegus laevigata 'Punicea', commonly known as the English Hawthorn, often symbolizes hope due to its hardiness and the joy of its spring blossoms after a long winter.
• Love and Protection: Hawthorns have been traditionally thought to guard against negative influences and were planted near homes for their protective qualities. The thorny nature of hawthorn may be symbolic of protection in love as well.
• Renewal: As a plant that blooms vigorously in spring, the hawthorn represents renewal and the idea that life continues and rejuvenates.
• Fertility: Hawthorn's lush growth and profusion of flowers in the right conditions have associated it with fertility and the abundance of life.
• Happiness: The bright flowers and the plant's association with May celebrations, such as May Day, imbue it with connotations of joy and happiness.
• Death and the Afterlife: In some cultures, hawthorn is believed to be a link between this world and the next, often found growing near burial sites, and it can symbolize the journey from death to the afterlife.