Scarlet Hawthorn Crataegus intricata

Crataegus, or Hawthorn, includes many different species and varieties found throughout North Carolina, from swamps and river bottoms of the east to the higher mountain ridges of the west. Crataegus intricata, or Entangled Hawthorn, is a small native hawthorn typically found in open or rocky woodlands, meadows or fields or man-made disturbed areas. The plant has long, straight thorns, bears white blossoms in the spring, and produces edible fruit in the fall.

Well-drained soil is a must but it grows in a wide variety of soil types and tolerates highly alkaline soils well. Some Hawthorns are grown as ornamentals, but because C. intricata easily forms dense thickets, its thorns make it a good security plant. The plant tolerates drought, air pollution, and wind. However, it does not do well in salt air. The plant is not fussy and tolerates moist soils and tolerates drought and heavy clay soils. For best fruit production, site the plant in full sun; it will do well in semi-shade, but fruit yields are lower. It grows from seed, but does best if you plant directly from ripened fruit in the fall for germination next spring.  Stored seed may need acid scarification or cold/hot stratification for 120 days. When grown from seed, the trees take from 5 to 8 years before bearing fruit. The flowers have a smell like decaying fish, which attracts midges for pollination. When freshly open, the flowers have a more pleasant scent.

This plant is a host for the larvae of the Gray hairstreak (Strymon melinus), Red-spotted purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax), and the Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) butterflies.

Diseases, Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known disease or pest issues.